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Harrogate MP urges rail fare freeze amid proposed £122 increase

Wednesday, 20 August 2025 14:17

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Harrogate MP Tom Gordon Urges Rail Fare Freeze Amid Proposed £122 Increase

Regulated rail fares are expected to rise by 5.8% in 2026–27, meaning commuters between Harrogate and Leeds could see an annual season ticket increase of £122, from £2,116 to around £2,238.

In response, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has called for a freeze on rail fare increases, arguing that commuters should not pay more amid rising cancellations and a cost-of-living crisis.

He commented:

“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...

"Raising fares is a false economy that will only drive down passengers and revenue in the long run.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport noted that no final decision has been made on 2026 fares.

They stressed the government's aim “is that prices balance affordability for both passengers and taxpayers,” and reaffirmed the priority of developing a reliable rail service through the planned Great British Railways model.

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