Government caps rail fare increases in 2022 and delays the rise in prices until March to allow passengers more time to buy cheaper flexible and season tickets at the existing rate
Next year’s rail fare rise will be 3.8%, below the current retail price inflation of 7.1%. The government will not increase fares by the retail price index (RPI) rate plus 1%, as it did in 2021.
Until the pandemic, fares were raised in January each year by a formula based on the RPI rate of the previous July, 6 months beforehand. In 2022, the increase will take place in March, giving passengers more time to purchase cheaper flexible and season tickets at the existing rate.
Taxpayers have already invested over £14 billion to keep services running during the pandemic. The rise will help meet some of these costs and will also help pay for the service increases and improvements on many lines, which began this week.
To further support those returning to the railways, the Book with Confidence scheme has been extended, meaning that until 31 March 2022, passengers can change their travel plans up until the evening before departure without being charged a fee, or cancel their trains completely and receive refunds in the form of rail vouchers.
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said:
The government has also announced that the recently launched flexible season ticket has already been purchased by more than 100,000 passengers, offering savings for customers. This new product offers regular passengers the potential to save hundreds of pounds and far greater flexibility for those travelling 2 or 3 days a week.
Andy Bagnall, Director General of the Rail Delivery Group, said:
Flexible season tickets are part of the reforms set out in the government’s Plan for Rail, to give a better deal to commuters adopting new ways of working. Alongside this option are a whole host of railcards offering discounted travel for young people, veterans, seniors and more, helping ensure our railways are an affordable way to commute, travel and see the country.
The government is also pressing ahead with creating Great British Railways, to provide passengers with a single, familiar brand responsible for the railways.