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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Gwyn Topham and Kiran Stacey

Relief for rail passengers as fare freeze in England announced for 2026

Rachel Reeves England Sir Keir Starmer Heidi Alexander Great British Railways
A train ticket is used at Stoke-on-Trent railway Station
Fares controlled by government include season tickets, peak returns for commuters and off-peak returns between big cities. Photograph: Nathan Stirk/Getty

Rail fares in England will not be increased in 2026, the government has announced, surprising passengers with the first fare freeze in 30 years.

The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will confirm a freeze on fares in this week’s budget, a move designed to limit inflation, ease the cost of living and support economic growth.

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