Rail fares across England and Wales have now risen by 4.6%, even despite the continued unreliability of services.
Less than two weeks after plans to fix the ‘broken’ rail system across the UK and deliver reliable services for all were set out by the Government, and the Department for Transport (DfT) stated its aim to ‘rewire Britain’s railways’, it’s now been confirmed that rail fares have risen nationally as of yesterday (2 March).
The price hike means that some commuters, and those who regularly use rail services, will have to pay tens or hundreds of pounds more for travel per year.
Season tickets on most commuter journeys, peak and off-peak return tickets, and flexible tickets for travel around major cities are just some of the journeys set to see fares increase.
According to campaigners at the Campaign for Better Transport, an annual season ticket from Macclesfield to Manchester will rise by £146 while an annual season ticket from York to Leeds will rise by £133.
Some railcards are also subject to the price hike too, which was capped at 4.6% by the Government.
Image: TPE
Railcards in Britain, excluding those for disabled passengers, became more expensive for the first time in 12 years, with the price of a three-year card having now risen from £70 to £80, while a one-year card has increased from £30 to £35.
Train operators set their own prices for unregulated fares, but these tend to increase by a similar amount to regulated fares – including on lines that have already been re-nationalised.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander says she ‘understands’ why passengers are frustrated.
“I understand that passengers are frustrated that rail fares keep rising despite unacceptable levels of delays and cancellations,” she commented, “which is why this Government made sure this was the lowest increase in three years, and below the growth in average earnings.
“We inherited a railway that was not fit for purpose, and I know it will take time for trust to be restored, with trains turning up on time, when and where they’re needed.”
Michael Solomon Williams, from Campaign for Better Transport, said the price hikes ‘will pile further misery on hard-pressed households’.
He added: “If the Government wants to do something genuinely popular, get Britain moving and help people with the cost of living, it should be making rail fares cheaper.”
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Emily Sergeant -
3rd March 2025 
