UK Chancellor Announces First Rail Fare Freeze in 30 Years
The UK Chancellor is set to announce the first rail fare freeze in 30 years, delivering major savings for commuters as part of Wednesday’s Budget. The decision to freeze rail fares for 2025 is expected to save workers hundreds of pounds on season tickets and peak-time travel.
For the first time in decades, season ticket holders on the busiest routes will see no price increases next year. Off-peak return fares will remain unchanged as well, offering relief to millions of travellers facing rising living costs.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the Budget will focus on “fair choices” to tackle key national priorities — reducing NHS waiting lists, cutting national debt, and lowering the cost of living. She emphasized that freezing rail fares will ease pressure on household finances and make commuting to work, school, or visiting loved ones more affordable.
The fare freeze is a key part of Labour’s pledge to rebuild a publicly-owned Great British Railways, aiming to improve affordability and reliability across the network.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that the move will help “millions” of people reduce their travel costs. Ministers estimate significant savings for commuters using flexi-season tickets, including:
- £315 a year for travel from Milton Keynes to London
- £173 a year from Woking to London
- £57 a year from Bradford to Leeds
The announcement follows a year in which rail fares rose by an average of 5.1%, making the freeze a welcome change for passengers across the UK.
