Millions set to pay ‘brutal’ rail fare rise next year

Business

The cost of train travel is set to rise by almost 5% next year, according to the government.

In England, regulated rail fares will increase by up to 4.9% from 3 March 2024, the Department for Transport has said.

The government says the new 4.9% cap is lower than the equivalent in Scotland, where prices will increase by up to 8.7%.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Having met our target of halving inflation across the economy, this is a significant intervention by the government to cap the increase in rail fares below last year’s rise.

“Changed working patterns after the pandemic means that our railways are still losing money and require significant subsidies, so this rise strikes a balance to keep our railways running, while not overburdening passengers.

“We remain committed to supporting the rail sector reform outdated working practices to help put it on a sustainable financial footing.”

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