- Government caps annual fare increase at 3.8%
- Book with Confidence scheme extended to 31 March 2022,
supporting passengers as they return to the
railway
- Changes to rail fares will come into force in March next
year, giving passengers more time to purchase cheaper flexible
and season tickets at the existing rate
Next year's rail fare rise will be 3.8 per cent, below current
retail price inflation of 7.1 per cent.
The government will not increase fares by RPI plus 1%, as it did
in 2021.
Until the pandemic, fares were raised in January each year by a
formula based on the RPI rate of the previous July, six months
before.
2022's increase will be in March, giving passengers more time to
purchase cheaper flexible and season tickets at the existing
rate.
Taxpayers have already invested over £14bn to keep services
running during the pandemic. The rise will help meet some of
these costs and will also help pay for the service increases and
improvements on many lines which began this week.
To further support those returning to the railways, the Book with
Confidence scheme has been extended, meaning that until
31 March 2022 passengers can change their
travel plans up until the evening before departure without
being charged a fee, or cancel their
trains completely and receive refunds in the form
of rail vouchers.
Rail Minister said:
“Capping rail fares in line with inflation while tying it to the
July RPI strikes a fair balance, ensuring we can continue to
invest records amounts into a more modern, reliable railway, ease
the burden on taxpayers and protect passengers from the highest
RPI in years.
“Delaying the changes until March 2022 offers people the chance
to save money by renewing their fares at last year's price. That
includes the 100,000 people who are already making savings with
cheaper and more convenient flexible season tickets.
“We're driving ahead with the reforms in our Plan for Rail,
creating a more passenger-focused railway that delivers a truly
first-class service for everyone.”
The Government has also announced that the recently launched
flexible season ticket has already been purchased by more
than 100,000 passengers, offering savings for customers. This new
product offers regular passengers the potential to save hundreds
of pounds and far greater flexibility for those travelling two or
three days a week.
Andy Bagnall, Director General of the Rail Delivery
Group, said:
“The government’s decision to hold fares down in line with July’s
inflation is welcome compared to last years’ above inflation
increase and the rate of inflation right now.
“It is important that fares are set at a level that will
encourage more people to travel by train in the future, helping
to support a clean and fair recovery from the pandemic.
“We know the railway must not take more than its fair share from
the taxpayer which is why the rail industry is working to create
a financially sustainable and more passenger-focussed service –
that will both keep costs down long-term and attract people back
to the train.”
Flexible season tickets are part of the reforms set out in the
Government’s Plan for Rail, to give a better deal to commuters
adopting new ways of working. Alongside this option are a whole
host of railcards offering discounted travel for young people,
veterans, seniors and more, helping ensure our railways are an
affordable way to commute, travel and see the
country.
The Government is also pressing ahead with creating Great British
Railways, to provide passengers with a single, familiar brand
responsible for the railways.
