Keir Starmer visited Reading to set out action to tackle the cost of living, including a major rail ticket sale offering millions of discounted journeys across Britain.
The Great British Rail Sale, which starts on January 6, includes nearly four million tickets at more than 50 per cent off for travel between January 13 and March 25, 2026.
The scheme offers significant savings for Berkshire residents travelling from Reading to destinations across the UK, such as Aberdeen, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
More: Sir Keir Starmer says '2026 is year we turn a corner' during Reading visit- LIVE
The Prime Minister said: "Everyone knows that groan when the price of your train ticket goes up again – a chunk out the paypackets of hard-working people.
"That’s why we’re freezing fares and unlocking millions of bargain tickets, so more money stays in people’s pockets.
"It’s good news for Berkshire’s high streets and local businesses too – affordable public transport brings in customers and helps families enjoy time together.
"Growing up, our family couldn't always make ends meet.
"I know every pound matters, and this year I am going further to tackle the cost of living and bring down costs for families."
The ticket sale is part of the Government’s broader efforts to tackle living costs, which also include cheaper childcare, energy bill support, and a freeze on regulated rail fares – the first in 30 years.
The fare freeze applies to season tickets and commuter returns, saving passengers £600 million in 2026/27 compared to last year.
For regular commuters, the freeze means that an annual season ticket holder travelling from Reading to London will save £340 per year.
Last year’s rail sale saw more than one million discounted tickets sold, saving travellers an average of £8 per journey and generating £9 million in revenue for the rail industry.
This year’s sale covers nearly all train operators.
One-way tickets during the sale period include Aberdeen to Reading for £146 (down from £292), Newcastle to Reading for £123 (from £247), and Edinburgh to Reading for £123 (from £245).
Shorter journeys are also included, with Oxford to Reading from £9.50, Reading to Southampton from £9.20, and Bournemouth to Reading from £10.80.
Reading station is one of the UK’s busiest outside London, with around 13 million passenger entries and exits recorded in the most recent figures from the Office of Rail and Road.
The Government has also allocated £9.4 million to improve local bus services, supporting further investment in greener travel options.
Cheaper and more reliable public transport is expected to boost economic growth by supporting commuting, leisure travel, and town centre footfall.
The Government has also confirmed plans to bring train operators, including Great Western Railway, into public ownership in a bid to reduce costs for passengers and improve value for money over the long term.
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