Thank you for contacting me about the Campaign for Better Transport's proposal on rail fares and ticketing.
Like everyone, I would like to see rail fares that are simpler and less expensive. However, this must be balanced with ensuring that the railways remain effective, efficient, and financially sustainable.
As I am sure you are aware, the Government announced an increase in the rail fares cap by 4.6 per cent in the Autumn Budget, beginning in March. This is one percentage point above the Retail Price Index for July 2024. This change traditionally occurs around the end of the year; therefore, historically, it would be unusual for the Government to do anything different on fares before that point.
A decision to fix fares would be a significant financial one and, therefore, would have to be made by the Government. Given its increased centralisation and nationalisation of rail companies before the founding of Great British Railways, the Government is—and will continue to be—more involved in our rail industry than we have seen in past decades. As such, the Government has a number of questions to answer about how this system can best serve the travelling public.
I know that my colleagues and I will continue to do what we can to scrutinise the Government's actions in this area to try to get answers to these questions, as it is essential that the Government ensures passengers get the best possible deal.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.