Train passengers in England and Wales are facing an increase in fares starting from today, March 2, 2025. The price hike, averaging around 4.6%, covers various ticket types, including season tickets, off-peak returns, and flexible tickets. This rise comes despite the ongoing challenges with the reliability of rail services. Public transport advocates have expressed concern that these fare increases will add financial pressure on already burdened commuters, with some potentially facing hundreds of pounds in additional costs annually for their journeys. The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, acknowledged the frustration felt by passengers, highlighting the government’s efforts to keep this fare increase at the lowest level in three years, below the growth in average earnings.
The UK Government has set a limit of 4.6% for increases in regulated fares in England, which includes season tickets for most commuter routes, some off-peak return tickets on long-distance journeys, and flexible tickets for travel within major cities. For example, an annual season ticket from Woking to London could see an additional cost of around £187, while a 12-month pass from York to Leeds may increase by approximately £133. Unregulated fares, set by operators, are also likely to rise by a similar percentage, as their financial decisions are closely monitored by the government. In Wales, the Welsh Government has matched the capped increase for regulated fares set by Westminster, with Transport for Wales implementing various adjustments to its unregulated fares.
Transport for London has also announced a 4.6% increase in Tube and rail fares within the capital, while bus and tram fares will remain frozen. Alongside the fare increases, railcards in the UK, excluding those designed for disabled passengers, will also become more expensive for the first time since 2013. The cost of a three-year railcard will rise from £70 to £80, and a one-year railcard will increase from £30 to £35. While these increases aim to support the operation and improvement of rail services, critics have raised concerns about the impact on passengers, particularly as the reliability of services has reached a record low, with more than one in 25 trains cancelled in the year leading up to February 1.
Campaign groups like Campaign for Better Transport have emphasised the importance of addressing the rising cost of train travel as part of broader rail reforms. They highlight that affordability is a significant barrier preventing more people from choosing rail as their primary mode of transport. In response to these concerns, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring trust in the railway system, ensuring that trains run on time and where needed. Plans to bring operators into public ownership and establish a new public sector body, Great British Railways, to oversee operations and infrastructures are part of the efforts to achieve this goal.
Despite the recognition of the need for a balance between taxpayer funding and fare revenue for maintaining rail services, there is a call for tangible improvements to match the costs borne by passengers. Transport Focus, a watchdog organisation, emphasised the necessity for a shift in the current ticket pricing model to better reflect the quality of service provided. As rail operators grapple with industrial disputes, staffing shortages, and low performance levels, there is a growing demand for more transparency and accountability in how fare revenue is utilised to enhance the overall passenger experience.
In Scotland, the government has announced a 3.8% increase in all ScotRail fares starting from April 1. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union has expressed support for proposals to establish a publicly-owned Great British Railways and called for collaborative efforts to develop plans that could potentially lead to a freeze in fares for passengers. By addressing underlying issues such as bringing outsourced services back in-house and tackling profiteering within the industry, there is an opportunity to redirect funds towards improving services and keeping rail travel accessible for all.