{
 "id": "rail_fares_increase",
 "name": "Regulated rail fares change 2026 (England)",
 "category": "transport",
 "value": "0% \u00b7 fares frozen (first freeze in 30 years)",
 "unit": "annual change",
 "valid_from": "2026-03-01",
 "valid_to": "2027-02-28",
 "source_url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/news/passengers-save-millions-as-rail-fare-freeze-starts",
 "source_org": "DfT",
 "confidence": "verified",
 "checked_at": "2026-08-12",
 "notes": "Covers regulated fares (seasons, peak returns) until March 2027; avoided a 5.8% rise.",
 "history": [
  "+4.6% from 2025-03-02",
  "+4.9% from 2024-03-03"
 ]
}