The news that both Scotland and now Wales are set to increase rail fares by an average of 6%, compared to the English increase of 8%, will be received badly by those passengers who have to pay more.

Should the funding for the railway be shouldered by the general taxpayer collectively, regardless of whether they ever travel by train? Governments of all stripes have had a longstanding policy aim to make passengers using the service pay for more of it themselves.

The extra charges will be more noticeable in the increase of a ticket price rather than a widespread, minimal increase to taxpayers. Yet that does not mean it should not be passengers' responsibility to pay their way.

On the other hand, an improved railway is an asset to the whole country, and can increase better business and links throughout England. Generating extra income through the taxpayer would allow those who may not otherwise be able to travel to use trains, increasing mobility and opportunity for the more disadvantaged members of society.

So where does the responsibility lie?