Written question asked by Johnny Mercer (Conservative) on Monday, 25 January 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 January 2016 (named day). It was answered by Claire O'Neill (Conservative) on Thursday, 28 January 2016 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Cross Country Line: Fares

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to ensure value for money for passengers travelling on the Cross Country rail franchise.

Answer: I completely understand the concerns about the cost of some rail fares and the impact that this can have on people’s budgets. That is why we have capped the rail fares we regulate at inflation (RPI) for two years running, and will continue to do so for the life of this parliament. We are helping hardworking people with the cost of transport. We’ve put a stop to increases in regulated fares above inflation until 2020. This will save theaverageseason ticket holder £425 in this Parliament and meansearnings growth will outstrip rail fare increases for first time in a decade.

Secondary information