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Commuters hit by rail fare hike

Commuters could be out of pocket in the new year, with rail fares set to rise by more than four per cent.

Train bosses announced that fares on commuter routes will rise by 4.3 per cent from January 2nd 2007, while unregulated fares on cheap day returns will rise by almost five per cent.

Holidaymakers will be worst hit, with tickets for the Gatwick and Heathrow Express services rocketing by more than seven per cent.

The Department for Transport oversees fare hikes on many services, but allows companies to increase prices by one per cent more than the retail price index, which currently stands at 3.3 per cent.

The Association of Train Operating Companies has claimed that the money will be reinvested in the railways but many travellers remain unimpressed, especially as over-crowding and delays persist.

Brian Cooke from London TravelWatch said: "Most train companies on the busy commuter lines in London are paying the government huge premiums, and are being forced to put up fares.

"Many rail passengers in London are paying a stealth tax as part of their fare."

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29/11/2006 11:50:23

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