Rail Fares Frozen for Commuters and Families in Erith and Thamesmead
Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, has today 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.
This freeze will be welcome news for many in Erith and Thamesmead constituency, who use Southeastern and Govia Thameslink train links on a daily basis.
Savings will be a game-changer for many commuters across the country. For example, those travelling to work 3 days a week using flexi-season tickets, will save:
- £125 per year, travelling from Basildon to London
- £315 per year, travelling from Milton Keynes to London
- £173 per year, travelling from Woking to London
Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:
“This historic freeze will give much-needed breathing space for families across Erith and Thamesmead who rely on the train for travel.
“Labour understands the cost pressures working people face. And we also understand that the economy only works when it works for everyone – including making sure it’s affordable for people to travel to work and get where they need to.
“This shows the Chancellor is taking fair choices as we approach the Budget, with cutting the cost of living being a major priority.”
This announcement comes ahead of the 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.
