Claire Young celebrates rail fare freeze but urges Govt to “go further”

Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young has welcomed the announcement of a railway fare freeze, following years of Liberal Democrats campaigning for it, but urged the Government to “go further” to deliver affordable and accessible railway services.

Commuters across Thornbury & Yate are already being hammered with eye-watering costs, with a season ticket between Yate and Bristol Temple Meads clocking in at a whopping £1,452.

In her maiden speech to Parliament, Claire Young called for the Government to freeze fares and do more to streamline ticket booking services to help save people money.

While welcoming the new freeze, she has warned it may be "too little, too late", calling on the Government to introduce a long-term fare freeze ahead of this week’s Budget. 

Commenting Claire Young MP said:

“After years of campaigning, I am relieved the Government has listened to Liberal Democrat calls and finally frozen rail fares – however this move is simply too little too late. 

“Residents across Thornbury & Yate are currently coughing up hundreds of pounds every month on their commute. In the midst of a cost of living crisis, no-one should need to surrender so much of their hard-earned pay cheque for a basic commute.

“That is why ahead of this week’s Budget, I am calling on the Government to deliver on a long-term plan to create a reliable, affordable railway system that works for everyone.”