Steep hike in rail fares expected

Rail users are to be hit by an above-inflation rise in fares, which are due to be introduced across the UK in January.

An announcement about the new fare increases is expected in the next few days, with average rises expected to be around 4.8 per cent.

But some will face rises of more than 14 per cent. Commuters in the south east of England, especially Kent, will be among the hardest hit.

Passenger groups and union officials warned that rail users will be in for a "shock" when they renew their ticket.

Gerry Doherty, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association, said: "These increases are unfair and unjustified.

"Hard-pressed commuters are paying above-inflation increases because the Government has given the green light for rail companies to rip off their customers."

He added: "We should be investing in a not-for-profit railway instead of increasing profits for the rail companies and providing income for the Treasury."

Under a formula agreed with the Government, many fares will be pegged to the July rate of inflation - 3.8 per cent - plus 1 per cent, but other fares will increase by much more than this.

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