Rail fares to rocket in January

Commutera will have to fork out an average of 3.1% more for rail tickets from 2 January in what is the largest increase since January 2013, according to Office of Rail and Road data

The hike is more than the 2.9% rise for this year.

About 40% of fares, including season tickets, will be affected.

The rise is regulated by the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments and is predominantly capped at July’s RPI figure, which was 3.2%. It means another £100 on the cost  

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said it was “another kick in the teeth for passengers on Britain’s rip-off privatised railways”.

It meant UK passengers will be paying the highest fares in Europe. “That is nothing short of a disgrace,” he added.

Rail Delivery Group chief executive Paul Plummer said: “Nobody wants to pay more to travel, especially those who experienced significant disruption earlier this year.

“Money from fares is underpinning the improvements to the railway that passengers want and which ultimately help boost the wider economy.”