Rail fares across England will increase above the rate of inflation from next year, as commuters are asked to help shoulder the burden from taxpayers for post-pandemic life.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said on 16 December that regulated fares, including season tickets, will rise by an average of 2.6% from March 2021. This is 1% higher than July’s 1.6% inflation figure, which has served as a cap on price rises following a 2014 commitment by the Conservative Party to use the benchmark.