Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Great British Railways: Williams-Shapps plan for rail, published on 20 May 2021, whether the new fare structure will address the disparity in pricing for annual season tickets available from St Albans City, and stations just two stops closer to London, as a consequence of preferential Oyster fares set by Transport for London being unavailable beyond Elstree and Borehamwood.

We were clear in the Plan for Rail we want to simplify the current mass of complicated fares and tickets, whilst protecting affordable turn up and go tickets and season tickets. We are working closely with industry to deliver this, and have committed to expanding Pay as You Go Ticketing across the South East. We delivered contactless ticketing to St Albans City back in 2019. Oyster zonal fare caps they are managed by Transport in London and the responsibility of the Mayor of London. The Department has no specific plans to review the fares offered in the oyster area.