Rail fares rise: Hard to stomach during cost-of-living crisis

Responding to a rail fare increase of 3.8% due on Tuesday, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said:

"The annual Government-approved hike in rail fares hasn't been justifiable for years, but this one will be particularly hard to stomach for families feeling the pinch of the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

"The value for money people are getting from this increase is next to nought. It beggars belief that railgoers should have to fork out more to travel when timetables are still in flux. Meanwhile, passenger numbers have not recovered to pre-Covid levels and this contempt for commuters risks driving them away from our railways.

"If this Government had even a shred of decency they would freeze rail fares for the next five years, to throw families some much needed financial respite and help get people back on track."