Fares ++ Regulated train fares in England and Wales have risen by an average of 5.9 per cent. The increase includes a significant cap, because last July’s RPI, which is the usual basis for the annual fare changes, was 12.3 per cent. Campaigners are calling for a discount of 20 per cent on Mondays and Fridays, which have become the quietest days of the traditional five day working week since the Covid-19 pandemic. Regulated fares include season tickets and some off-peak travel on long distance services. The increase affects National Rail in England and Wales, and Transport for London services.

Reopening ++ The railway between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Ashington is set to reopen to passenger trains next year, according to transport secretary Mark Harper. Trains to Newcastle will call at six accessible stations serving Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval and Northumberland Park. The journey time between Newcastle and Ashington will be halved, to 35 minutes. Trains will run seven days a week.

Station scheme ++ Work has started on building a new station at Ashley Down, on the northern side of Bristol. The scheme is being funded by the West of England Combined Authority, which covers Bristol, Bath, North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. The station will be served by trains between Bristol Temple Meads annd Filton Abbey Wood. These will continue to North Filton and Henbury when these stations are opened as part of the wider MetroWest project in Greater Bristol.