Massive railway fare rises prompt petition

The backlash against rail fares which are "holding travellers to ransom" began today as campaigners demanded train companies abandon New Year rises.

The increases due to come into force on Sunday will see fares on train services go up by an average of 5.8 per cent. Inflation is currently 3.3 per cent. It has emerged that rail companies in the West Midlands are putting fares up by as much as 9.5 per cent on some routes.

London Midland is not putting up its unregulated fares but is going for a 5.8 per cent rise on regulated fares. But Virgin Trains and CrossCountry Trains have both imposed larger rises on certain journeys from Wolverhampton.

Regulated fares are classed as season tickets and those bought on the day at peak times. Unregulated tickets are those bought in advance or for off-peak travel where operators can offer discounts.

Rail company Wrexham & Shropshire is putting up some of its fares by £5.

The largest hike in the country was First Capital Connect's monthly ticket from Hornsey to Stevenage - from £194.40 to £284.20 - a rise of 46.2 per cent. On the buses National Express West Midlands is imposing an inflation-busting rise from Sunday.

The Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) will launch its Fair Fares Now petition next week.

Monty Python star Michael Palin, who is backing the campaign, said: "Rail fare rises are holding travellers to ransom."

By Daniel Wainwright