Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, calls for rail fare freeze as prices set to rise again

Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, has called for a rail fare freeze as ticket prices look set to increase again next year.

New figures released today (20 August) indicate that regulated rail fares are set to rise 5.8% in 2026–27 should the government choose to follow existing policy and increase fares in line with July’s Retail Price Index (RPI).

The Liberal Democrats are calling for rail fares to be frozen.

Commenting on the rail fare rise, Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay said:

“At a time of rising cancellations and in the midst of a cost of living crisis, commuters shouldn’t be expected to fork out more and receive less. Increasing rail fares now would be nothing other than a slap in the face to ordinary people right here in Torbay.

“What started out as chaos under the Conservatives has moved on to more complacency under Labour. Commuters deserve better than just the same raw deal given under new management. Raising fares is a false economy that will only drive down passengers and revenue in the long run.

“The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to do more to get more people onto trains, to freeze rail fares and to give commuters in Torbay a reliable service and fair deal.”