This week rail fares were frozen for the first time in 30 years.
This is really welcome news, saving commuters on the busiest routes £300 per year. Without this action rail fares would have increased by 5.8% on Monday.
I’m looking forward to our railways being back in public hands. With the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), we can expect journeys that are more reliable and better value for money. GBR will be accountable to us; the passengers and taxpayers, not shareholders. We will prioritise innovation, meaning that we are constantly reinvesting in our infrastructure, not paying those at the top the rewards of other people’s hard work.
In Stroud, accessibility is a big problem. Without a lift at Stroud railway station, it’s very difficult for many passengers to cross the bridge to reach the other platform. For people with mobility challenges, parents with prams, or travellers with heavy luggage, this can make using the station extremely challenging.
Calls for assistance have increased significantly. Between April and December 2024, recorded assistance requests at Stroud station rose by 26%, highlighting just how urgently improvements are needed.
I recently met with Lord Hendy (Minister for Rail) about this issue, and I am working closely with Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud District Council and local businesses to commit funds up front to secure funding in the future. If we want a thriving High Street, we must make it easier for people to visit. Improving accessibility at our station is a vital part of making Stroud welcoming to everyone.
