Rail Fairs Frozen for commuters and families across Crawley

Peter Lamb, Member of Parliament for Crawley, 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.

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.

Peter Lamb, MP for Crawley, said:

“I know that local commuters will be delighted with this decision. Having commuted myself to London to work for most of my working life so far, I have seen the staggering rise in ticket rises, with the cost of a season ticket from Three Bridges climbing by over two-thirds under the Conservatives, far faster than inflation. “With travel costs being the second single biggest expense for many local families, a freeze on ticket prices will be welcomed by many. It’s just one of the ways Labour is working to reduce the cost of living.”