Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke, has welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister that the Government will cap rail fares at 1% above inflation again in 2013 and 2014. Rail fares had been due to increase by 3% above inflation, so this cap will save the average annual season ticket holder up to £45 a year – on top of the average from this year’s reduced cap.

The decision to reduce the planned increases, funded from savings elsewhere in the Government’s transport budget, will benefit hard pressed commuters and other rail passengers. Rail fares will continue to support a major programme of rail improvements, to deliver crucial benefits for passengers, including relief from overcrowding.

Maria said: “This is good news for commuters and also for others who use the trains less often. The Government is doing all it can to help ease the cost of living for families and households who work hard and use our railways.”