In the latest blow to our railways, train fares in England could increase by a shocking 5.6% next year. This enormous hike has commuters and advocacy organizations up in arms. The retail prices index is forecast to increase to 4.6% in July. At the consumer level, inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, is likely to be around 3.7% for the same month. Their situation is made all the more difficult by June’s consumer price index reading of 3.6%.
The government is currently deliberating over plans to bring rail services into public ownership, aiming to enhance reliability and affordability for passengers. However, notwithstanding this debate, nearly 50% of English rail fares are still wholly determined by Westminster. A sharp increase in train ticket prices is on the horizon. This additional increase would likely be contingent upon the inflation reading from this past July.
The late Bruce Williamson, a long-time, influential rail supporter and activist, hailed the idea as a welcomed government fare freeze. He questions the justification for raising fares above inflation, stating, “What would be the justification for jacking up fares above inflation? There isn’t any.” On a different note, Williamson hinted at the kinds of efficiencies that might come from merging the two rail operators.
We are still awaiting a government announcement later this year on the future of change to regulated fares. All regulated fares include season tickets for the majority of commuter journeys. They even include off-peak returns on long-distance routes and flexible tickets for urban rail. If the increase goes in line with last year’s trends, regulated fares would be allowed to increase by 5.6% in 2026.
The transport secretary wants to see the railways become dependable again. Her priority is making every passenger confident when they choose to ride a train. A spokesperson from the Department for Transport reiterated this commitment, stating, “The transport secretary has made clear her number one priority is getting the railways back to a place where people can rely on them.”
From consumers to the airlines and their other stakeholders, there’s deep concern about further raising ticket prices. Increasingly, they point out that raising fares will do nothing to address ongoing neglect in our transport networks. One Department for Transport spokesperson remarked, “It’s ripping off the customer, driving people off the trains and on to our congested road network, which is in no one’s interest.”
The government appears to be getting ready to address these urgent concerns. It will be interesting and important to observe just how they will weigh affordability for both passengers and taxpayers. “No decisions have been made on next year’s rail fares but our aim is that prices balance affordability for both passengers and taxpayers,” a government representative stated.