Holders of the Disabled Persons Railcard will not be affected, the government said.

It added that railcards save users an average of “up to £158” annually.

However, the Campaign for Better Transport said raising rail fares above inflation and increasing the cost of railcards was a “kick in the teeth” for people who rely on public transport, particularly those on low incomes.

The group said: “Doing this at the same time as keeping fuel duty frozen sends entirely the wrong message.

“To tackle air pollution, congestion and climate change, we need to make public transport the attractive, affordable choice.”

Meanwhile, Rail Partners, a group representing private rail organisations, argued the government’s focus must be on growing passenger numbers, not making current passengers pay more.