Train fares across the country are on the increase, as of the start of the New Year, forcing commuters to pay even more extortionate prices than usual in order to get to work.  South west London train prices have risen by an average of 4.8%, with companies such as South West Southern and First Capital Connect putting their prices up by 0.6% more than inflation.

The trend continues across South east London networks, with Southeastern’s average prices on regulated fares, such as season tickets and standard returns, having increased by 6.8%, whilst those on unregulated fares, such as cheap day returns, rise by an average 4.8%.  Some fares from Kent have gone up today by a staggering 14.5%, with those travelling from Hayes to London seeing the steepest rise on weekly season tickets.

George Muir, the director of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) has defended the move by explaining that fare revenues help to pay for “investment that directly benefits passengers.”  However, Muir’s confidence is not shared by the large number of angry commuters who think that prices are already too high.  Such a viewpoint is supported by Norman Baker MP, the Liberal Democrat’s transport spokesman, who has condemned the “massive fare hikes and overcrowding” facing British commuters, explaining that “we already have the most expensive rail fares in Europe, with rail travellers facing further inflation-busting price rises.”

Furthermore, Baker has stated that “the cost of motoring has actually fallen” under the Labour government “while the cost of using trains has gone through the roof.”  Such assertions further emphasise the benefits of driving into London as opposed to using alternative commuter transport.