Lib Dems call for rail fare freeze as Lambeth’s residents face 9% price hike next year

It comes after ministers have refused to say how much rail tickets will rise by next year. The price of a season ticket from Streatham Hill to London Terminals could go up by £108.36, according to Lib Dem analysis.

The Government sets price increases for regulated rail fares, including standard day returns, season tickets and most commuter fares, which make up almost half (45 per cent) of all fares. 

The rise comes despite disrupted services over the past year due to industrial action and the Government’s plans to close ticket offices at stations around the country. 

The Liberal Democrats are also calling for a rethink over planned ticket office closures and for the Government to finally resolve the strike action disrupting services. 

Commenting, Clapham Common & Abbeville Councillor, Ben Curtis, said: 

“These price hikes, in the midst of a cost-of-living-crisis, are completely unsustainable for millions of people who rely on our railways every day. Government needs to comprehensively review the fares and ticketing package that is available to commuters and leisure passengers alike.

“To hike prices on a sustainable form of transport in the midst of an inflationary and environmental crisis is beyond reckless – and sends completely the wrong message.

“This is yet another bad news story for the railway network, when we need to be encouraging people onto the network to tackle the climate crisis and help grow the economy. Government should be freezing fares, not raising them – and finding the money to do so should be a priority for them."