All 1 Debates between Lord Johnson of Marylebone and Lord McLoughlin

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Johnson of Marylebone and Lord McLoughlin
Thursday 11th October 2018

(6 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Johnson of Marylebone Portrait Joseph Johnson
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Passenger numbers have more than doubled in the period of privatised operation of fares. This has happened in an environment in which the Government have frozen fares in real terms for the past six years, and we will be doing so again for the coming financial year. Fares rose by 20% in real terms under the Labour Government. By contrast, they have risen by 2% in the period since 2010.

Lord McLoughlin Portrait Sir Patrick McLoughlin (Derbyshire Dales) (Con)
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In last year’s budget, the Chancellor announced a new railcard for those aged 26 to 30, giving 4.5 million more young people a third off their rail fares. Would that increase the number of people using the trains, and what has happened to that scheme?

Lord Johnson of Marylebone Portrait Joseph Johnson
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It is quite possible that it would lead to such an increase. This is an exciting, industry-led trial of the 26-to-30 railcard that the Chancellor announced in his Budget last year. We are waiting the full assessment of that trial, and further steps will be announced in due course.