Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of rail fare increases on local economies that depend on affordable transport for (a) tourism, (b) business and (c) trade.

Our aim is to keep the price of rail travel at a point that works for both passengers and taxpayers, where possible. This year's increase is the lowest absolute increase in three years and delivers a fair balance between taxpayers and passengers. It will also support the Government’s long-term plans to achieve financial sustainability of the railway.