[arista]

[Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said it would
replace an "overcomplicated and fragmented" system.
He told the BBC the changes did not mean fares
would inevitably rise, but could not give guarantees.

Asked on Today if the changes meant rising
ticket prices, Mr Shapps said: "No, is the answer".
But he added: "I'm not here to give guarantees for years to come."

He pointed out that the taxpayer had plugged
a £12bn hole during the coronavirus crisis to
keep the railways operating and fares were subsidised,
but said there was no "hidden agenda".

"Of course any government in the future will have
to weigh those things up," he said.]