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Explained in plain English

Who sets train fares?

Train fares in the UK are a bit of a mixed bag. For most national rail services, the government sets the overall fare structure and caps, but individual train operating companies, often private, decide specific prices within those limits. Local transport, like some tram or bus services, might have fares set by regional authorities or mayors, which could be relevant if Andy Burnham's mayoral experience influences his national transport policy.

Stories that explain this

Train drivers on Avanti West Coast get 3.6% pay rise Thameslink named Britain's most overcrowded train route Rail discount scheme widened to cover 18-year-olds

Questions this opens up

Who owns the railways? What is a regulated fare? How do fare zones work? What are regulated fares? How do TOCs set prices? Who owns train companies?

Related explainers

Has train use increased over time? How many trains run daily? What are new Aurora trains? Who pays for train travel? Who runs our trains? Why do train air-cons leak? What is a train operating company? What are train operating costs?

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