Several high profile changes are riding on the Chancellor’s announcements in his Autumn Statement this afternoon. Will rail fares be capped at a 6% increase?

Will the Scottish sleeper services to London be saved?

Which major rail infrastructure projects will be offered funding in an effort to kick-start the economy?

Whatever the answers to these questions, it will demand franchise operators to work quickly to ensure these projects and changes are delivered on time. Altering fares databases to reflect a different increase from 2012 demonstrates one disadvantage of the Government changing its mind at the eleventh hour, and that different positions can cost more than necessary due to the work involved.

Further investment into the railway could help to encourage spending, at the same time as providing an improved service for passengers, at a reduced rate. For the full picture of the future of rail, we must now wait.