The Government has announced a 3.8% rise in rail fares is set to take place next year.
The fare rise is set to come into effect next March.
The Government has taken the decision to not increase fares by retail price inflation (RPI) plus 1% as it did in 2021.
The current RPI stands at 7.1%
By only allowing the changes to happen in March the Government hopes to give passengers the time to purchase cheaper season and flexible tickets at current rates.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic fares were raised in January using a formula based on the RPI rate of the previous July.
During the pandemic passengers have already invested over £14bn to keep services running.
The fare rise will help to pay for some of the ongoing service increases and improvements taking place.
The current Book with Confidence scheme has also been extended to help support passengers returning to the railways.
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris spoke on the rail fare changes.
Mr Heaton-Harris said: “Capping rail fares in line with inflation while tying it to the July RPI strikes a fair balance.
“Ensuring we can continue to invest records amounts into a more modern, reliable railway, ease the burden on taxpayers and protect passengers from the highest RPI in years.
“Delaying the changes until March 2022 offers people the chance to save money by renewing their fares at last year's price.
“That includes the 100,000 people who are already making savings with cheaper and more convenient flexible season tickets.
“We're driving ahead with the reforms in our Plan for Rail.
“Creating a more passenger-focused railway that delivers a truly first-class service for everyone.”
Andy Bagnall, Director General of the Rail Delivery Group commented on the 3.8% fare increase.
Mr Bagnall said: “The government’s decision to hold fares down in line with July’s inflation is welcome compared to last years’ above inflation increase and the rate of inflation right now
““It is important that fares are set at a level that will encourage more people to travel by train in the future.
“We know the railway must not take more than its fair share from the taxpayer.
“[This] is why the rail industry is working to create a financially sustainable and more passenger-focussed service.”
