Rail users face steepest fare rise in five years as inflation hits 3.6%
by Richard Partington and Gwyn Topham from on (#2Z9ZJ)
Campaigners call for fares freeze saying passengers are 'paying more for less' as RPI jump raises prospect of hefty increase
Rail fares for commuters in England and Wales will increase by 3.6% from next year, adding pressure to incomes already squeezed by higher prices.
The rise, the biggest annual increase in five years, is set by the government and linked to July's retail price index (RPI) measure of inflation announced by the Office for National Statistics on Tuesday. The higher fares will take effect from January.
Inflation is when prices rise. Deflation is the opposite - price decreases over time - but inflation is far more common.
Related: UK inflation unexpectedly holds steady at 2.6% in July- business live
Continue reading...