Political opinion: Halesowen MP applauds Government move to freeze rail fares

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.

For example, a typical commuter using an annual season ticket will save:

• £804 per year, travelling from Birmingham to London

• £428 per year, travelling from Birmingham to Manchester

• £104 per year, travelling from Birmingham to Redditch.

Alex Ballinger MP said: “This historic freeze will give much-needed breathing space for families across Halesowen. Labour 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.

“This shows the Chancellor is taking fair choices as we approach the Budget, with cutting the cost of living being a major priority.

Today’s announcement comes ahead of next week’s Budget, which the Government has said will focus on the priorities of the British people: cutting waiting lists, cutting the national debt and cutting the cost of living.

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, bringing fares and ticketing into the 21st century, including through a new GBR website and app and building on the expansion of successful Pay As You Go and fares trials across the country.