North East MPs slam ‘concerning’ potential rail fares rises

It comes after news that regulated train fares across England could increase by 5.8 per cent next year, despite train punctuality being at its lowest level since 2020.

The potential increase is based on the Office for National Statistics revealing that Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation rose to 4.8 per cent in July.

Reacting to the figures, Stockton West MP Matt Vickers, said: “Families are already under immense pressure from all sides.

“Government borrowing has soared, taxes are up, and inflation has pushed up the cost of everyday essentials.

“Now, with rail fares potentially rising again despite services being less punctual than they’ve been in years, people are rightly asking what they’re paying for.”

Mr Vickers slammed the government. Mr Vickers also criticised Labour, stating: “Labour promised that under their government we’d have cheaper fares and a more reliable service, but instead passengers are facing higher fares, poorer performance and dwindling trust.

“With the threat of fares rising above inflation this year, the system is simply not delivering for the people who rely on it.”

Although the Government has not confirmed the cap on regulated fare rises, this year’s 4.6 per cent increase was one percentage point above the July 2024 RPI.

If the same formula is applied, train travel costs will increase by 5.8 per cent.

City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy, also expressed her concerns over the potential fare hike.

She said: “It is really concerning for rail passengers in Durham that not only are we facing poor punctuality and the loss of several direct LNER services, we are also potentially looking at an increase in rail fares as well.

“The Government has indicated however, that a decision has not yet been taken on the fares it is directly responsible for setting.

“It’s really important that the right decision is taken to try and keep fares as low as they can be, and I will be making that case to Ministers.”

Ms Foy said she will contact the government about the issue. Vicki Gilbert, chair of North East Public Transport Users Group, highlighted the wider impact of rising public transport costs.

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She said: “In recent years we’ve seen bus fares increase 25 per cent with lifting of the £2 cap, and now rail fares are increasing again at above inflation levels.

“This comes after 15 years of fuel duty for drivers being frozen.

“None of this helps make public transport an attractive option, locking people in expensive car ownership at the expense of the environment and social exclusion.”