Tom Hayes, the Labour MP for Bournemouth East, has welcomed the Government's decision, which is designed to make travel more affordable for young people starting out in education, training or their first jobs. The change comes into effect this September and could have benefited 70,000 young people last year. Mr Hayes said: "Young people tell me about the cost of travel being a barrier to getting on. "I welcome this common-sense cut of rail fares in half as part of a package to help young people, which includes the new cap on bus fares at £2." The decision builds on measures introduced by prime minister Andy Burnham, including the £2 cap on bus fares and the first rail fare freeze in 30 years.