'Outrageous' fare rises defended

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Rail fares such as season tickets will rise by an average of 4.8% in the New Year, while cheap day returns and long distance fares will go up by 5.4%, but some commuters in south east England will see their weekly tickets rise by 14.5%.

One union leader said the fare rises, due to come into effect on January 2, were "outrageous" and amounted to "daylight robbery", while business officials urged train firms to reconsider the price hikes.

Regulated fares, including season tickets, savers and standard day returns, will go up by an average of 4.8%, while unregulated prices such as cheap day returns, long distance open and advance fares, will increase by 5.4%.

The cost of a weekly season ticket from Hayes in Kent to London will rise from £24.80 to £28.50 (14.5%), from £25.10 to £28.50 (13%) in Bexleyheath and from £78.30 to £86.50 (10.5%) for commuters in Ashford, Kent.

Most train firms said the average cost of regulated fares will rise by 4.8%, although it will be 6.8% on Southeastern, 5% on First TransPennine Express routes and 3.8% on the Gatwick Express.

Unregulated fares will rise by an average of 7% on CrossCountry and East Midlands Trains routes, 6.8% on routes run by the one train company, 6.1% on First Great Western and 4.3% on South West Trains.

Atoc (the Association of Train Operating Companies) said in a statement: "The relatively low increase in average rail fares has been a factor in the enormous growth in rail travel seen over the past 10 years, with 42% more passengers using the rail network. Passenger numbers are now higher than at any time since 1946.

"Increased revenue is needed to pay for the major new expenditure to further improve the railway."

Director general George Muir said: "We need the revenue from fares to pay for investment in the railway for the benefit of passengers. We are providing a higher-performing railway with new, refurbished and more punctual trains and better stations."