Rail passengers will see fares rise by an average of 8 per cent next year.
The news follows publication of UK inflation figures, on which regulated rail fares are based.
The retail prices index (RPI) remained at 5 per cent during July. Regulated fare rises are calculated as RPI plus 3 per cent.
Many passengers will endure rises of more than 8 per cent, with rail companies allowed to hike some fares by a further 5 per cent.
The RPI+3 formula replaced the previous calculation of RPI+1, and reflects the government’s intention to shift the cost of rail travel further onto passengers and away from taxpayers.
Passenger groups have long campaigned to reduce rail companies’ ability to increase prices above inflation.
Some passengers will see their fares rise in line with RPI. Merseyrail will increase their prices by a with-inflation 5 per cent, while Scotrail intend to increase theirs by 6 per cent.
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