"Historic freeze" for rail commuters welcomed as giving "much-needed breathing space" for train passengers
A warm welcome has been given to the news that rail fares will be frozen for the first time in 30 years.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the freeze ahead of the Budget this week, promising to save commuters hundreds of pounds on some of the busiest routes in the country, after ‘decades of spiralling fares’.
The freeze until March 2027 will apply to regulated fares, which includes season tickets and off-peak returns.
The Portsmouth area is popular with commuters with the area’s stations perfect for accessing London, as well as Sussex and other parts of Hampshire.
Stephen Morgan, Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, said: "This historic freeze will give much-needed breathing space for commuters and families in Portsmouth.
"The Government understands the cost pressures working people face. And we also understand that the economy only works when it works for everyone – including making sure it’s affordable for people to travel to work and get where they need to.
"I welcome the action the Chancellor is taking to ensure fair choices as we approach the Budget, with cutting the cost of living across our community being a major priority".
Labour’s wider plans for Britain’s railways includes establishing a new publicly-owned company called “Great British Railways”, that will run and manage the tracks and trains used every day – ending years of fragmentation, driving up standards for passengers, and making journey easier and better value for money.
GBR will be accountable to passengers and taxpayers, with a new GBR website and app also set to be created and the expansion of the Pay As You Go and fares trials across the country.