Woking’s new MP calls on Labour to freeze rail fares and reforms to protect passengers.

Liberal Democrat MP, Will Forster, led a debate focused on rising rail fares and the declining service affecting Woking passengers in the House of Commons this Thursday. On Thursday 10th October Woking MP Will Forster led an adjournment debate in the House of Commons, urging the government to take immediate action on rising rail fares and declining service affecting Woking. 

Will Forster MP and the Liberal Democrats are advocating for the establishment of a Railway Agency, a public body that would act as the guiding mind for the railways, putting passengers first, holding operators to account, and delivering long-overdue reform to a broken system. 

Will Forster, Lib Dem MP for Woking, said: 

“People are ironically risking debt to earn a living.” 

“Since 2019, the cost of a season ticket from Woking to London has increased by £773, now standing at an astonishing £4,516. At a time when families are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, these eye-watering fare rises are not only unfair but counterproductive.” 

“If we are serious about the cost of living crisis and tackling climate change, we must make public transport an affordable and attractive option for everyone. Instead, rail travel has now become a luxury many are finding they can no longer afford.” 

Will Forster went on to point out that rising rail fares come at a time when service is deteriorating. A Freedom of Information request has revealed that over 55,000 rush hour trains were either fully or partially cancelled last year, a 10% increase on the year before & the worst record since 2019. 

Will ended his speech by calling for urgent action from the Government to immediately freeze rail fares, which would save commuters in Woking an average of £140 a year.