Rail fares will rise more than expected next year - although the new inflation-busting 2.6% increase is being delayed until 1st March.

Regulated fares were expected to increase by 1.6% in January, as successive governments linked annual rises to July's RPI inflation rate.

Rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said the rise reflected "unprecedented taxpayer support" for rail this year.

An average increase of 2.6% across all fares will still be the lowest since 2017.

Until 28th February season tickets holders can renew at existing prices and the cost of daily fares will stay the same.

Rail travel has been badly hit during the coronavirus crisis, and Mr Heaton-Harris said delaying the price rise from January "ensures passengers who need to travel have a better deal this year".

Regulated fares make up about half of fares and include season tickets on most commuter routes. But operators are expected to match their rises for unregulated fares.

It means, for example, a Brighton-to-London annual season ticket going up by about £129 to £5,109, and a Manchester-to-Glasgow off-peak return rising by £2.30 to £90.60.

The rail minister said: "By setting fares sensibly, and with the lowest actual increase for four years, we are ensuring that taxpayers are not overburdened for their unprecedented contribution, ensuring investment is focused on keeping vital services running and protecting frontline jobs."

The government took over rail franchise agreements from train operators in March, following the collapse in demand for travel caused by the virus crisis. This is expected to have cost about £10bn by mid-2021. The rise will help recover some of the significantly increased costs met by taxpayers to keep services running during the pandemic, Mr Heaton-Harris said.

source: BBC News