Rail fares in England and Wales to rise nearly 5% amid high cancellation rates

Despite a surge in train cancellations, rail fares will increase, affecting commuters and igniting public frustration.

Rail fares in England and Wales are set to rise by nearly 5%, adding significant costs to annual travel for commuters.
The fare increase comes despite train cancellations being at one of the highest levels in a decade, due to strikes, infrastructure faults, and severe weather.
Public transport campaigners and opposition figures criticize the government for imposing inflation-busting fare rises amid a cost-of-living crisis and climate emergency.
The UK Government argues the fare rise is well below inflation, aiming to balance the financial burden between taxpayers and fare payers.
Scotland will see an even larger fare increase of 8.7% from April, while London freezes Tube and bus fares and introduces cheaper rush-hour travel.