ScotRail increases fares by 6% from January

ScotRail said it would continue to invest in service improvements

Rail passengers in Scotland will face fare increases of 6% from January.

Train operator ScotRail made the announcement as rail companies across the UK revealed average price rises of 5.9%.

In his Autumn Statement last month, Chancellor George Osborne capped fare increases at 6%, instead of the expected 8%.

Fare rises are linked to inflation, which is currently 5.2% as measured by the Retail Prices Index.

A ScotRail spokesman said: "We are committed to meeting customer demand for high quality punctual services.

"This approach enables us to continue to invest in service improvements while ensuring that rail travel remains value for money."

Rail north of the border is a devolved power of the Scottish government. Under the franchise agreement, ScotRail is able to increase regulated fares by the Retail Prices Index, plus 1%.