Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to reduce train fares in the West Midlands.

Train fare revenue is crucial to funding day-to-day railway operations and the massive upgrade programme we are delivering, all of which benefit passengers. However, the Government recognises the serious concern consumers have around the cost of rail fares. We recognise that the cost of travelling for rail passengers can seem high – this is why we have taken action and capped the rail fares we regulate at RPI+0% since 2014 and will continue to do so for the term of this Parliament.

The new West Midlands rail franchise, expected to commence in October 2017, will deliver a rail service that is fit for modern life and supports the sustainable growth of the West Midlands and the country as a whole. The Invitation to Tender requires bidders for the franchise to set out how they will provide clearer and more transparent information on fares so that it is simpler for customers to purchase tickets and find the cheapest fares and this could include the use of multi-buy discount tickets for passengers who travel less than five days a week.