Rail fares in England could rise by as much as 4.2% next year, according to reports, with the increase typically calculated using July's Retail Price Index inflation figure. The rise would add further pressure to household budgets already strained by the cost of living, and comes as commuters and campaigners call for fares to be capped or frozen instead.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has yet to confirm whether he will freeze fares on regional or local rail and transport services, leaving passengers uncertain about what they will pay from next year. The article notes the scale of the potential increase and highlights the pressure on Burnham to clarify his position, though full details of any decision remain pending.