Rail campaigners issue warning over potential 5.5% fares rise

• England's train fares could face a potential 5.5% increase next year, following a forecast of July's Retail Prices Index (RPI) reaching 4.5%.
• Public transport groups have condemned the prospective rise as "outrageous", arguing it would deter passengers and is unjustified if above inflation.
• Pressure groups like Railfuture and Campaign for Better Transport advocate for a fare freeze, particularly with the impending nationalisation of train operators under Great British Railways.
• They suggest that any efficiencies gained from a more integrated railway system should benefit passengers directly, rather than being absorbed by the Treasury.
• The Department for Transport has yet to confirm next year's regulated fare cap, stating that decisions will be announced later this year, aiming to balance affordability for both passengers and taxpayers.

IN FULL

Rail campaigners say potential 5.5% fares rise would be ‘ripping off’ passengers