Rail travellers today woke up to the biggest fare hike in nine years.

The regulated fares in England and Wales are increasing by up to 3.8%.

The government has defended the increase by pointing to the fact that it is below the current rate of inflation.

Train services have faced pressure from staff shortages due to Covid-19 and isolation rules and demand is still about a third lower than pre-Covid.

A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: "We have protected passengers by delaying these fare rises by two months and, even then, opting for a figure well below current inflation rates.

"However, we must now look to recoup some of the £14 billion which was spent to keep vital services running throughout the pandemic in a way that is fair for all taxpayers."

But Bruce Williamson of the campaign group Railfuture, said: "Ordinary working people are feeling the squeeze like never before, yet the government is stoking the fire of the cost of living crisis with these eye-watering fare increases.

"Few people are getting an income increase of 3.8% this year. People are struggling to heat their homes, yet the government wants to take even more money off them for the privilege of taking the train to earn a living."