Will next year’s rail fare rise mark a turning point for the railways?
The middle of August has traditionally been an important moment for rail passengers. It’s normally when we get a good indication of how much more train travel will be costing the following year. That’s because July’s Retail Price Index (RPI) figure – published mid-August – has traditionally been used to set the following year’s annual fare rise.
This year, things are slightly less certain however, mainly because the railways are undergoing huge changes, spurred by the Labour Government’s commitment to bring the railways back under public ownership. What we do know is that this year’s rise was set at RPI+1% which meant regulated fares – things like standard day returns, season tickets and most commuter fares – went up 4.6% in March.
The year’s above inflation fair rise was included in the October 2024 Budget. The same Budget which also included an extension to the ‘temporary’ 5p a litre fuel duty cut first introduced in 2022, taking the freeze on fuel costs for drivers into its 15th year.
Four months later in February 2025, the Government published A Railway fit for Britain’s Future which set out its six objectives for a reformed railway.
The railway of the future must be affordable – so that prices are kept, wherever possible, at a point that works for both passengers and taxpayers.
– Second of the Government’s six objectives from A Railway Fit for the Future.
It goes without saying that rising fares place an increasing burden on passengers, but high fares are also putting people off using the trains altogether. A survey we carried out as part of our Fix Fares for Good report found that 71 per cent of people would be more likely to take the train if fares were cheaper. Somewhat understandably, public support for nationalisation also plummets if fares continue to rise according to a recent You Gov poll.
So with the railways now moving under public control, the fundamental question for the Government is how to use its role in setting fares policy to deliver a more affordable rail network and encourage more people to travel on it.
Making rail fares affordable, clear and fair would certainly encourage more people on board. And when more people travel by train, everyone benefits from clearer roads, a stronger economy, cleaner air and lower carbon emissions.
Next year’s annual rail fare rise represents the first real opportunity for the Government to show passengers – both current and future – just how it plans to do this.
Take action
We want to see a reliable, affordable rail network which is accessible to everyone, no matter where you live. To achieve this, we need fairer, clearer, more affordable ticketing. Use our quick, online form to contact your MP and ask them to support affordable rail fares.
