Rail fares

The relatively low increase in average rail fares has been a factor in the enormous growth in rail travel seen over the past 10 years, with 45% more passengers using the rail network all over the UK. This increase in passenger usage is 60% in Wales since 2003. Passenger numbers across the UK are now higher than at any time since 1946. 

Rail tickets are arranged into two pricing ‘baskets’ - ‘regulated’ and ‘unregulated’. Regulated fares are protected from larger above-inflation rises e.g. most season tickets, and some Off-Peak and Anytime Day tickets. Unregulated tickets include Off-Peak Day, longer-distance Anytime, and Advance tickets.