The government announces a nationwide freeze on rail fares in England for the first time in 30 years, covering all regulated fares, season tickets, and peak/off-peak returns on major city routes to ease household finances.

Essex also sees the fare freeze as part of the autumn budget, marking the first freeze in three decades and applying to government-controlled regulated fares.

The freeze targets regulated fares under state control, with potential savings of over £300 annually for commuters on high-cost routes, while other fares like advance tickets or first class may still rise under the phased move toward full state control by 2027 under Great British Railways.

Stakeholders largely react positively—rail unions, passenger groups, and the Rail Delivery Group say the freeze makes rail travel more affordable and aligns with environmental goals, though some opposition calls it late but supportive of the direction.

Unions and passenger groups, including ASLEF, Transport Focus, RAM, and the TUC, welcome the measure as improving affordability and encouraging use while supporting broader reform.

The announcement aims to ease household finances and support working people within a broader government agenda, including NHS waiting lists, debt reduction, and lowering the cost of living.

Rail and transport figures frame the policy within ongoing reform toward a publicly owned railway system.

Transport advocates and unions praise the move for reducing costs and supporting growth, even as the budget anticipates higher taxes to cover a roughly £20 billion shortfall.

Industry and public reception emphasizes ticket stability as relief for working people, with potential boosts to rail usage and environmental benefits.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlights the budget’s broader goals of cutting NHS waiting times, reducing national debt, and lowering the cost of living.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander underscores cheaper rail travel and the aim to rebuild GBR for affordability and reliability.

Labour MP Pam Cox welcomes the measure, noting substantial savings for Colchester residents and tying it to the public ownership rollout for Greater Anglia earlier in the year.