Rail fares have increased by an average of 3.1% in England and Wales - and almost 3% in Scotland - despite a raft of issues on the network in 2018.
The rail industry says 98p of every pound spent on a ticket is invested back into the network.
But Wednesday's price hike was called "yet another kick in the wallet" by campaign group Railfuture.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said the government had made a "record investment" in rail.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn condemned the increase as a "disgrace" and said it "drives people away from public transport".
Mr Grayling also announced that a new railcard extending child fares to 16 and 17-year-olds in full-time education or training will be available by September.
A discount railcard for 26 to 30-year-olds went on sale at 12:00 GMT. Like the existing card for 16 to 25-year-olds, it costs £30 and reduces fares by a third.
Fares in London will stay the same after a decision by Mayor Sadiq Khan to freeze Transport for London prices.
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