Cumbrian MPs have welcomed the freeze on rail fares as the Chancellor prepares to deliver the budget.

Whitehaven and Workington MP, Josh MacAlister and Carlisle MP, Julie Minns have welcomed the Labour Government’s freeze on rail fares, the first in 30 years.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the freeze ahead of the budget this week, promising to put money back in the pockets of commuters after decades of spiralling fares.

The Whitehaven and Workington MP, Josh MacAlister said: “This historic freeze will give much-needed breathing space for families across West Cumbria.

“Labour understands the cost pressures working people face.

“And we also understand that the economy only works when it works for everyone – including making sure it’s affordable for people to travel to work and get where they need to.

“Of course, that also relies on the railway functioning properly and that is what we are currently lacking in West Cumbria.

“I met again recently with the Rail Minister to press the case for a major upgrade of the line and to get the Bransty tunnel reopened as quickly as possible.

“I will continue to make the case at every opportunity and at every level until the Cumbrian Coast Line is running as it should be.”

For example, a typical commuter travelling to work using a season ticket will save:

• £140 per year, travelling from Whitehaven to Barrow

• £110 per year, travelling from Workington to Carlisle

While Carlisle MP Julie Minns said: “This historic freeze will give much-needed breathing room to families across Carlisle and North Cumbria.

“This government understands the cost pressures that working people face.

“Whether commuting from Carlisle to Newcastle, or taking the train to London, the freeze will mean more money in people’s pockets next year.

“Ensuring travel to work and daily life remains affordable.” 

For example, a commuter in Carlisle and North Cumbria travelling to work on a season ticket will save: 

• £38.59 per year – Wetheral to Carlisle 
• £58.18 per year – Brampton to Carlisle 
• £196.61 per year – Carlisle to Newcastle 

For travel to London, £19.68 will now be saved on an anytime return from Carlisle to Euston.  

This is part of Labour’s wider plans for Britain’s railways includes establishing a new publicly-owned company called “Great British Railways” (‘GBR’) that will run and manage the tracks and trains used every day – ending years of fragmentation, driving up standards for passengers, and making journey easier and better value for money.

GBR will be accountable to passengers and taxpayers and will bring fares and ticketing into the 21st century.