Added misery for commuters

12.27.09pm GMT Wed 3rd Jan 2007

It's bad enough having to return to work after the Christmas break, but thousands of commuters will now be paying much more to get there!

The 2007 fare rise was announced at the end of November by Train Operator group ATOC. On Southeastern train services, regulated fares (e.g. season tickets and saver tickets) have risen on average by 6.3%. Unregulated fares (e.g. cheap day returns, long distance open and some advance purchase fares) by a lesser but still significant average of 4.3%.

The cost of an annual season ticket from Maidstone East to London is now £2,668 and a one day Travelcard is now £28.80 for the same journey.

"Train users in Maidstone and the Weald are being forced to pay some of the fastest increasing fares in the country. Southeastern are being allowed to put up fares each year at 3% above inflation - where others are limited to 1% - in order to pay for the fast rail link to London. You can book a flight to Europe for less money!"