Rail fares are expected to rise by 4.1 per cent in 2014 - news that has not been well received by the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

Despite the fact inflation fell in July, rail service providers are still set to ask more for season tickets from January.

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady believes the government continues to set benefits against the lowest inflation statistics, while student loans and train fares are being calculated based on the highest rate.

Passengers will obviously expect more for their money and Network Rail is already under pressure from industry regulators to improve the punctuality and reliability of services.

However, Ms O'Grady is not sure people will be getting value for money.

"[This is] bad news for hard-pressed commuters who are having to hand over even more of their pay packets for poor quality services," she commented.

Although the economic recession left many people and businesses in dire financial straits, rail fares have continued to go up and in January 2014 they will be 40 per cent higher than they were in 2008.