Asked by: Lola McEvoy (Labour - Darlington)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what work her Department is undertaking to make rail travel more affordable for those who are ineligible for existing railcards and regularly commute over long distances via rail.
Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Government recognises that affordability is important to passengers and froze regulated rail fares for the first time in 30 years in March 2026, helping to keep rail travel affordable across over a billion journeys.
For regular travellers, a range of products are available, including season tickets, Flexible Season Tickets and Advance fares although the best-value option will depend on the journey and travel pattern. Through Great British Railways, passengers will benefit from a more consistent offer across the network, with reforms to simplify fares, expand Pay As You Go ticketing and make rail travel better suited to modern travel patterns, while balancing affordability for passengers with value for taxpayers.
Asked by: Lola McEvoy (Labour - Darlington)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department has taken to help ensure that people who are deemed medically unfit to drive have appropriate access to alternative modes of transport.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The government wants everyone to have access to reliable and affordable public transport, and we appreciate how important this is for people who are unable to drive.
The government is committed to improving bus services, so they are more inclusive and enable everyone to travel safely and confidently. The government introduced the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill on 17 December as part of its ambitious plan for bus reform. The Bill will put passenger needs, reliable services and local accountability at the heart of the industry by putting the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England.
In addition, the government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Local authorities can use this funding to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities. The government reaffirmed its commitment to investing in bus services long-term in this Spending Review by confirming additional funding per year from 26/27 to maintain and improve bus services.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) also provides free bus travel in England, to those of state pension age and those with eligible disabilities between 9:30 to 23:00 on weekdays, and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays. Those who would, if they applied for a driving licence, have their application refused on the grounds of medical fitness, are eligible for an ENCTS bus pass.
The government also has ambitious plans to reform the rail sector, unifying track and train under one organisation. Great British Railways will be the single ‘directing mind’ for the railway, putting passengers and customers first, rebuilding trust in the railway and simplifying the industry. We are also continuing to improve access to stations through our Access for All programme. Train operating companies also provide staff assistance and alternative transport for anyone unable to use a station.
If someone has a disability that makes travelling by train difficult, they may qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard, which offers one third off rail travel for the person and an adult companion. Details of eligibility can be found at www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk.