Rail fare increases have become a significant concern as campaigners warn that these rises might push passengers away from trains altogether. Each year, the government calculates train ticket price changes using inflation figures from July. This year, economists predict the retail prices index (RPI) will hit 4.6%. Because of this, regulated fares could increase by 5.6% in 2026, if the government follows last year’s pattern.
Regulated fares cover roughly half of all train journeys in England. These include season tickets for commuters, off-peak long-distance returns, and flexible urban tickets. Although the government has not confirmed the exact figure, last year’s increase was 4.6% — one point higher than the July 2024 RPI reading.
Bruce Williamson, spokesperson for the campaign group Railfuture, called any such rise “outrageous.” He argued, “There’s no justification for pushing fares above inflation.” According to him, higher fares will drive passengers away from trains and increase road congestion.
The government plans to bring rail services into public ownership under Great British Railways. Williamson supports freezing fares during this transition. He also hopes that any savings from a more integrated rail network would benefit passengers directly. However, he worries that these savings might instead go to the Treasury.
Meanwhile, almost half of rail fares in England remain under Westminster’s control. The Scottish and Welsh governments usually set similar caps. The possibility of rising rail fares arrives amid a broader increase in the cost of living. For instance, economists expect the consumer price index (CPI) to rise to 3.7% in July, up slightly from June’s 3.6%.
A Department for Transport spokesperson stated that the transport secretary’s top priority is restoring reliability to the railways. The government aims to place passengers at the center of public ownership plans. They want to deliver better services while encouraging economic growth.
Although no decisions have been finalized about next year’s fares, officials stress the importance of balancing affordability for both passengers and taxpayers. The government is expected to update the public on fare changes later this year.
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