Rail fare rise while fuel duty remains frozen ‘sends entirely the wrong message’, says Campaign for Better Transport

Commenting on the 4.6% increase in rail fares and £5 increase in railcards which will take effect on 2 March 2025, Paul Tuohy from Campaign for Better Transport said:  

“Raising rail fares above inflation and hiking the cost of railcards is a kick in the teeth for people who rely on public transport, especially those on low income. Doing this at the same time as keeping fuel duty frozen sends entirely the wrong message. To tackle air pollution, congestion and climate change, we need to make public transport the attractive, affordable choice.”  

Campaign for Better Transport analysis of season ticket costs reveals that out of 40 popular commuter routes into London, three will see season tickets newly go above £6,000 from 2 March, while annual season tickets from Canterbury and Southampton into London will cost £7,100 and £7,477 respectively.  

An annual season ticket from Macclesfield to Manchester will rise by £146 while an annual season ticket from York to Leeds will rise by £133. 

In addition to the above inflation rail fare rise, the cost of some railcards, which since 2013 have been priced at £30 a year, will increase by £5.  

ENDS 

See example 2025 season ticket costs into London 

See example 2025 season tickets costs into regional stations