Regulated rail fares in England will increase by up to 5.9% from March 5, 2023, according to the Department for Transport.
The fares, which include season tickets, usually rise by the July inflation rate. However, the Government has intervened so rail users can avoid a huge 12.3% price hike.
Train operators set unregulated fares, although their decisions are heavily influenced by the Government due to contracts introduced because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The news comes after Merseyrail confirmed it will increase its train ticket prices by 6% earlier this month.
READ MORE: Mersey Tunnel tolls to rise for some drivers in 2023
The increased fares will come into effect from January 3, 2023. However not all ticket types offered by Merseyrail will be impacted. For Merseyrail services, the proposed 6% rise will not impact the cost of family tickets, which allow a family of up to five to make unlimited daily journeys for just £13.
However standard fares, such as singles and returns, will be subject to the proposed rises.
Since 2010 rail fares in the UK have climbed by an eye watering 48.9%. The years 2020 and 2021 saw a huge fall in passenger numbers due to the pandemic and lockdown measures, but passenger numbers have recovered through 2022. While more people have returned to using Merseyrail trains, the cost of living crisis is set to have a big impact on fares going forward.
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