GOVERNMENT subsidies for rail fares are three times higher in Scotland than England, according to figures from the regulator.

Total funding in 2012/13 varied from £2.19 per passenger journey in England to £7.60 in Scotland, with Wales the highest on £9.33 per passenger journey.

Government funding for railways in 2012/13 amounted to £4 billion, roughly 31% of the industry's total income, according to a report from the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR). This included £700,000 from Transport Scotland and £100,000 from the Welsh Government.

In line with Government policy, passengers are covering an increased proportion of the rail industry's income relative to taxpayers. Through fares paid, passengers accounted for 59.2% of rail industry costs in 2012/13, compared with 57.4% in 2011/12 and 55.6% in 2010/11.

Total income from passenger fares was £7.7 billion in the 12 months to the end of March 2013 - 3.6 % higher than the previous year. This was largely due to more passenger journeys.

Michael Roberts, director general of industry body the Rail Delivery Group, said: "The ORR's report shines a light on why Britain's railway is such a big success story.

"An industry focused on attracting more passengers and freight, combined with a commitment by successive governments to invest over the long term, is generating phenomenal growth."