Rail fares set to rise in New Year

Train fares to rise by an average of 5.9 per cent with an annual season ticket from Newbury to London up nearly £300

RAIL passengers in West Berkshire will be hit by rising costs again in January.

The Association of Train Operating Companies has announced that train fares will rise by an average of 5.9 per cent in January 2012, an above-inflation rise.

A 12-month rail season ticket from Newbury to London will rise by just under £300.

Currently a ticket to London zones one to six costs £4,548, and will rise to £4,820 from January 2.

Michael Roberts, chief executive of ATOC, said: “Money raised through fares helps pay for new trains, faster services and better stations.

“The industry is working together to continue cutting costs as a way to help limit future fare rises and offer better value for money for taxpayers over the longer term.”

The average price paid for a single journey will rise to £3.85 in London and the south east.

Fares valid from January 2, 2012, are now available at National Rail Enquiries so people can check how much their ticket or any other fare will cost next year.

How badly will you be hit in the pocket? Tell us what you think by emailing mark.taylor@newburynews.co.uk