MP Calls for Rail Fare Freeze as Fares in Berkhamsted Set to Increase

Victoria Collins, Liberal Democrat MP for Harpenden & Berkhamsted, has called for a rail fare freeze as ticket prices look set to increase again next year.

This means commuters between Berkhamsted and London face an eye-watering increase of £299 per year, making the overall cost £5,459.

New figures released indicate that regulated rail fares are set to rise 5.8% in 2026-27 should the government choose to follow existing policy and increase fares in line with July’s Retail Price Index (RPI).

The Liberal Democrats are calling for rail fares to be frozen.

The constituency of Harpenden & Berkhamsted is a high commuter area, with many residents relying on the railway to travel to London for work. The proposed increase would add significant financial pressure to families already struggling with rising costs of living, including housing, energy bills, and food prices.

The fare increase affects multiple routes, including services from Berkhamsted station, which sees thousands of daily commuters who depend on reliable and affordable rail services.

Commenting on the rail fare rise, Victoria said: ‘These eye-watering fare increases will hit hard-working families right in the pocket at a time when they’re already struggling with the cost of living. A £299 annual increase means commuters in Berkhamsted and the surrounding villages will be paying over £5,400 just to get to work, simply unaffordable for many families.

‘Our railways should be connecting communities and supporting economic growth, not pricing people out of using public transport. I’m calling on the government to freeze rail fares and give commuters the break they desperately need. Ministers should be investing properly in our rail network and finding fairer ways to fund improvements.