Train fares are to increase by 3.4% on average from 2 January, representing the biggest increase since 2013.

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The rise includes a 3.6% increase on regulated fares – including commuter fares and many season tickets – based on July’s Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation.

Announcing the increase, the Rail Delivery Group said the increase is below current inflation of 4% RPI in October and added that over 97% of money from fares goes back into improving and running the railway.

However the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers’ (RMT) general secretary Mick Cash said the increase was “another kick in the teeth for British passengers” while Lilian Greenwood MP, chair of the Transport Committee, added: “The Rail Delivery Group tells us that most of this money will go into improving and running the railway but in recent years it’s the passenger picking up a bigger share of the tab and many aren’t seeing the benefits they were promised.

“At a time when workers are facing a real terms pay cut, isn’t it time the Government looked to spread the cost of the railway more fairly?”For more of the latest industry news, click here.