Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rail Fare Affordability

Thursday 12 February 2026 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister announced freezing of regulated rail fares for the first time in 30 years.
  • Minister emphasized that freezing rail fares aims to benefit commuters and students accessing education.
  • Minister supported the idea that Great British Railways will improve rail service connectivity and affordability.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Transport
Context

The cost of living crisis has led to concerns about the affordability of rail fares for passengers. The government is facing pressure to address this issue.

Question

What steps she is taking to help improve the affordability of rail fares for passengers?

Answer from Keir Mather

This Government know that many people across the country are struggling with the cost of living. That is why we are taking historic steps to improve affordability for rail passengers, including freezing regulated rail fares for the first time in 30 years, saving commuters up to £300 per year, and delivering another Great British rail sale in January, with over 1 million discounted tickets sold.

Partly answered

How: We Are Taking Historic Steps, Saving Commuters Up To £300 Per Year

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Q2 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Education Transport
Context

A constituent's daughter experienced an increase in rail fare costs, raising concerns about the impact on education accessibility. The Liberal Democrats propose amending the Railways Bill to cap fare increases at inflation.

Question

Can the Minister outline what steps the Department is taking to ensure that increases in rail fares do not restrict access to education, and would he support the Liberal Democrat amendment to the Railways Bill?

Answer from Keir Mather

The hon. Lady is right to point to the fact that our railways need to serve as a catalyst for young people to access the educational opportunities they need. I have already explained that we are freezing regulated rail fares for the first time in 30 years, which we hope will have a benefit for constituents across the area that she represents. Ultimately, the only way that we can get fares down in the long term is to have a railway with a single guiding mind and a single point of accountability, and that is through Great British Railways.

Partly answered

How: Freezing Regulated Rail Fares For The First Time In 30 Years, Railway With A Single Guiding Mind

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Q3 Christopher Vince Lab Co-op Harlow
Transport
Context

A meeting was held to discuss connectivity at Roydon station and safety concerns at Harlow Mill station, prompting questions about the benefits of Great British Railways.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the move to Great British Railways and renationalisation will mean a better-connected rail service that is safer and will bring prices down for commuters?

Answer from Keir Mather

I could not agree more with my hon. Friend, who continues to be a determined advocate for his constituents in Harlow. GBR will allow us to rationalise the way the railway is run, think about it holistically and make sure that passenger services are run in the interests both of the passengers who use them and of the British taxpayer.

Partly answered

How: Rationalise The Way The Railway Is Run, Holistic Approach

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Q4 Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham
Transport
Context

There are concerns that recent changes in rail fares following nationalisation have led to higher costs for passengers, contradicting claims of simplification.

Question

Does the Minister accept that removing the cheapest fares in pursuit of a political slogan is not always in the best interests of the travelling public?

Answer from Keir Mather

Better late than never, Mr Speaker. The shadow Minister is becoming exercised about rail fares now, but fares rose by 60% between 2010 and 2014 under his Government, and there was an £850 million strike cost to the taxpayer. For the first time in 30 years, we are freezing rail fares so that passengers can have money back in their pocket and continue to use the railway. If the shadow Minister wants to bring down costs for passengers in the long term, the only way is to get behind our move to create Great British Railways.

How: Fares Rose By 60% Between 2010 And 2014, Freezing Rail Fares For The First Time In 30 Years

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