Samantha Dixon, Member of Parliament for Chester North and Neston, has welcomed the Labour Government’s freeze on rail fares – the first 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.
Commenting on the announcement, Samantha Dixon said:
“This historic freeze will give much-needed breathing space for rail travellers across Chester North and Neston. 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.
“I hear regularly from constituents about our rail system – from unreliable services and poor connectivity to the high cost of journeys. These are real frustrations that affect people every day – that’s exactly why this fare freeze matters.
“We all want cheaper rail travel, and I’m pleased that’s what we’re delivering. This freeze will help so many rail users across our local area and beyond and it is all part of the Government’s wider plan to rebuild Great British Railways, in public hands.”
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” (GBR), 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