Train passengers in England are facing the prospect of ticket price rises of more than 4% next year, following the latest inflation figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation rose to 3.2% in July.
Potential fare increase formula
The Government has not yet confirmed what it will do about fare rises in 2027. However, last year's 4.6% cap was one percentage point above the RPI in July 2024. If that same formula is applied to set next year's increase, the cost of train travel would rise by 4.2%.
Such a rise would mean an annual season ticket from Brighton to London increasing by £219 to £5,423. A flexi ticket for travel two days per week over a year from Leeds to Manchester would go up by £151.35 to £3,754.95.
Government response and regulated fares
Sir Keir Starmer's government froze regulated fares this year. About 45% of fares on Britain's railways are regulated by the Westminster, Scottish and Welsh governments. These include season tickets on most commuter journeys, some off-peak return tickets on long-distance routes, and flexible tickets for travel around major cities. Unregulated fares are set by operators, but rises in these are expected to be similar.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "We are working to make transport affordable for everyone. The rail fares freeze is giving millions of people breathing space on their travel costs and is expected to save passengers on some of the busiest routes more than £300 a year. No decision has been made on fares after the freeze ends, and we are looking at all options carefully."
