Increases in rail fares

That this House deeply regrets the Government’s decision to increase rail fares by 4.6%, at a time when performance on the rail network continues to decline; notes with concern that this increase fails to incentivise train use, undermining efforts to promote public transport as an affordable and sustainable alternative; expresses concern that an annual season ticket for a commuter travelling from Lewes to London Victoria now costs an eye-watering £5,432; condemns the worsening reliability of services, with persistent delays, cancellations, and overcrowding making rail travel increasingly frustrating for passengers; and believes that commuters and families should not be forced to pay more for a service that continues to deteriorate.