Merseyrail fares to be frozen for six months, mayor says

Mayor Steve Rotheram said he wanted to "shield" commuters from fare increases

Fares on the Merseyrail transport network are to be frozen for six months, Liverpool City Region's mayor Steve Rotheram has said.

The Labour mayor said he was announcing the freeze to help people with the rising cost of living.

Regulated train fares in England are set to rise by up to 4.9% from March.

Mr Rotheram said he wanted to "shield" commuters from the hikes and "encourage more people to the Merseyrail network".

"We are trying to do everything in our power to make life easier for the travelling public," he said.

"People are being hit hard by the cost of living increase. We want to play our part."

The move comes after the mayor announced refunds would be given to passengers hit by widespread delays on the Kirkby line following Merseyrail's introduction of a new £500m battery-powered fleet.

He denied the fare freeze had been specifically timed for the run up to the 2024 Liverpool City Region mayoral election, which is due to take place on 2 May.

A new battery-powered Merseyrail fleet was introduced last year but has been beset by delays

He added: "This is doing the right thing by the people of Merseyside and the Liverpool city region.

"Travelling around our region should be as quick, cheap and reliable as possible.

"That's why I'm building the London-style integrated transport network local people deserve."

Mr Rotheram said the freeze, which will come in from 3 March, would be funded by money "clawed back" from train manufacturer Stadler following issues with the new fleet, which has been plagued by delays.

The mayor continued: "There's an ongoing situation on Merseyrail and that will mean that penalties will continue to be paid by the train manufacturer if performance falls below what we believe is the rate expected."

He said because passengers were the ones who had been "inconvenienced" they should "see the benefits of that funding".