Commuters are being hit by rail fares which have been rising at double the speed of wages since 2010, new research has shown.

A report by the TUC and Action for Rail has indicated that, whilst fares have risen 25% in the last six years, average weekly earnings have grown by just 12%.

Regulated fares are due to rise again by 1.9% in 2017, which includes season tickets on most commuter journeys as well as some off-peak return tickets on longer distances and ‘anytime’ tickets to major UK cities.
However, all unregulated fares, such as off-peak tickets, are uncapped by the Government and can rise as much as train companies like.

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said rail passengers were "paying more and getting even less", and called for rail services to be nationalised.

"Fares go up while trains remain overcrowded, stations are unstaffed, and rail companies cut the guards who ensure journeys run smoothly and safely.

"It's time for rail services to be publicly owned, saving money for passengers and taxpayers alike."
Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association, added: "Our rail fares are already the highest in Europe and today's increases will only make that record worse. It's time that ministers gave rail passengers a break and actually froze fares in real terms."

The Rail Delivery Group, which represents the rail industry, said passengers had to contribute to the upgrading of Britain's rail network.

Chief executive Paul Plummer said: "We've had immense growth over the last decade or so, which is creating strains on the system, and we need to modernise that. We're spending £50 billion over the next few years to upgrade it."

Meanwhile, talks have broken down between unions and Southern Rail aimed at resolving industrial dispute which has seen Southern cut over 300 services a day from its schedule.