Rail fares in Britain rise by inflation-busting 5.1% in a year

Unregulated long-distance advance fares went up by 5.9%, according to the Office of Rail and Road. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

Rail fares across Great Britain have risen by 5.1% in a year, with cheaper advance fares increasing by almost double the rate of inflation, the latest official data shows.

Campaigners said passengers were being priced off the railway after the rise in the price of tickets surpassed the government cap on regulated fares, which account for about half of rail journeys.