ITV News

Put-upon rail commuters are being warned they can expect a 3.5% fare increase next year, despite poor service that has meant delays and cancellations are rife. The increase means the annual cost of getting to work for many long-distance travellers could rise by more than £150. The exact fare rise will be confirmed when the July Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation is released by the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday. But economists from Investec and EY Item Club both predict the figure will be announced as 3.5%. It comes despite dismal satisfaction ratings from rail travellers.