Q&A: Rail fare rises

Many passengers will find that ticket prices have risen

Thousands of commuters heading to work after the New Year holiday are facing higher rail fares.

An average 2.8% increase in rail fares is the smallest rise in four years, although campaigners say they are going up faster than wages.

The picture for rail travellers can be confusing - with prices for season tickets going up at a different rate than some other types of tickets.

There are also varying price changes in different parts of the UK.

Can we start with the basics?

But these changes aren't the same everywhere?

Where does this money go?

Why do prices have to go up?

So can we expect more fare rises in the future then?