Rail fares across Great Britain have increased by 5.1% over the past year, significantly outpacing inflation, according to new data from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
Advance tickets, particularly in the south-east of England, have seen the steepest rises, with prices climbing by almost 10%. Unregulated long-distance advance fares rose by 5.9%, while regulated fares—covering about half of journeys—were capped at 4.6% in England and Wales and 3.8% in Scotland.
Campaigners have warned that passengers are being priced off the railway. Ben Plowden, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Rising rail fares are putting people off using the railways and making rail travel unaffordable.” He urged the government to prioritise fare reform under Great British Railways.
The government set the cap on regulated fares at 1% above the retail prices index (RPI), which stood at 3.2%, resulting in a 4.6% rise in July 2024. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledged passengers’ frustration but noted that this was the lowest increase in three years and below average earnings growth. She reiterated the government’s commitment to improving reliability through public ownership and the creation of Great British Railways.
