Some rail fares in England will rise by 6.2% in January - about double the rate of inflation - although other price rises may be higher.

Unions have warned that, some, fares could even jump by 11% affecting most rush-hour travel, season tickets, and off-peak fares. This is because the Government is allowing train firms to raise fares by 3% more than RPI or retail price inflation, which is used to calculate the rises from January. So some English fares will rise by RPI plus 3%, while in Scotland they will go up by RPI plus 1%. Wales has yet to set a figure for its increase. There are no fares increases currently planned in Northern Ireland, where fares are not linked to RPI, after a 3% rise in April.

In response to this news a series of demonstrations are being held at 40 railway stations across the country today. Campaigners claim that privatisation has resulted in us having the highest train fares in Europe, with commuters to London spending 15 % of their salary getting to work.

Bob Crow, leader of the Rail Maritime and Transport union, said passengers will be "rightly angry" when they find out the full extent of inflation-busting fare increases imposed on them by Government "diktat". He also added 'that up to 20,000 jobs in the rail industry are at risk under cost-cutting proposals, which will hit station staff, guards, catering and ticket offices.

Written and presented by Ann Salter