TRAIN drivers warned against raising the price of regulated rail journeys today, as new inflation data suggested passengers may face a 4.2 per cent rise in fares in 2027.

It comes after the Office for National Statistics announced that Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation rose to 3.2 per cent in July. 

Although the government has not confirmed plans surrounding a rise in prices for rail travel next year, the expected increase is based on last year’s 4.6 per cent cap, one percentage point above RPI in July 2024.

If the same calculation is used this year, the cost of train travel in 2027 will go up by 4.2 per cent.

Train drivers’ union Aslef’s general secretary, Dave Calfe, told the Morning Star: “We want rail travel to be affordable.

“We want to encourage rail travel, which takes cars off our roads and benefits our environment, and which, in turn, increases revenues.”

Regulated fares have been frozen this year by the previous Keir Starmer government.

About 45 per cent of fares on British railways are regulated by the Westminster, Scottish and Welsh governments, including tickets on most commuter journeys, some off-peak return tickets on long distance routes and flexible tickets for major destinations.

Unregulated fares set by operators are expected to see a similar rise.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We are working to make transport affordable for everyone.

“The rail fares freeze is giving millions of people breathing space on their travel costs and is expected to save passengers on some of the busiest routes more than £300 a year.

“No decision has been made on fares after the freeze ends, and we are looking at all options carefully.”