Rail fares set to rise again

Business travellers will be hit by above-inflation fare rises in 2008, with those travelling off-peak and at short notice likely to be the worst affected.

The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) said cheap day returns and long-distance open and advance fares would go up by an average of 5.4% from 1^st January, while season tickets and saver and standard day returns would rise by 4.8%.

In some parts of the country such as the south-east off-peak fares could rise by as much as 7%.

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

But passenger groups criticised the move, saying it could cost hundreds of pounds extra a year for commuters and warning that customers would expect a better service as a result.

"Passengers will be dismayed that fares are going up again, especially as on most routes they have no choice about which train company to use," said Anthony Smith, chief executive of independent rail watchdog Passenger Focus.