Commuters are protesting today after a shock rise in the inflation rate means a train season ticket could rise by more than £200 next year. 

The retail prices index (RPI) figure for July, which is used to determine how much regulated rail fares including season and saver tickets are allowed to increase in 2013, rose to 3.2% from 2.8% the previous month, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The City had expected the rate to remain flat at 2.8%.

The average fare increase for England is calculated by adding 3% to RPI, meaning a hike of 6.2%, although some tickets can go up by a further five percentage points - or more than 11% - as long as they are balanced by cuts on other fares.

The greater-than-expected rise in RPI, which was accompanied by an increase in the closely watched consumer prices index (CPI) rate to 2.6% from 2.4%, was driven by hefty hikes in air fares, while there were fewer discounts from retailers who had already slashed prices in June to shift stock amid the wash-out weather.

Passengers protested outside Brighton and Hove stations this morning against the anticipated rise.

Individual rail fare increases are usually announced in December. This year, rail fares in Sussex went up by an average of 5.9%.

A season ticket from Brighton to London Victoria is currently £3,708, from Brighton to London Bridge £3,392, and £4,020 from Brighton to London terminals on any service. 

Will the rise change your commuting plans?

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