Rail fare increases to be announced

Updated

Britain's rail passengers will be told today how much their fares will increase next year.

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), representing train operators and Network Rail, will publish the new ticket prices, which come into effect on January 2.

The average rise for regulated fares - which is about half of the total and includes season tickets - is limited to no more than 1% as it is linked to July's rate of Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation.

But unregulated fares, such as off-peak leisure tickets, can go up by as much as train companies like.

The overall rise for all types of ticket for this year was an average of 2.2%, while season tickets went up 2.5%.

Martin Abrams of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: "While regulated rail fares rises are limited to 1%, some unregulated, walk-on fares are rising further.

"To avoid pricing people off the railways, the train operating companies and the Government need to work closely together to provide fairer, simpler and cheaper fares through flexible ticketing and making sure people are always sold the cheapest ticket available."

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