Railways: Fares
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many and what proportion of rail journeys saw a fare increase in 2026 versus the same journey in 2025.
Answered by Keir Mather
The Department does not centrally hold information on how many, or what proportion of, rail journeys saw a fare increase in 2026 versus the same journey in 2025. While detailed fares data exist within industry systems, the Department does not routinely compile journey‑by‑journey comparisons and producing this information would require bespoke analysis.
In 2026, the Government has frozen regulated fares for the first time in 30 years, which has put money back in the pocket of passengers. Unregulated walk‑up fares are expected to follow similar trends to regulated fares, as has historically been the case. Some unregulated fares, such as Advance tickets, are priced according to demand and availability and are therefore not readily comparable between years.
Responsibility for rail fares policy is devolved in some parts of Great Britain, and fares decisions in those areas are a matter for the relevant devolved administrations.
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