Southeastern fares to rise less than UK average

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) revealed train fares will rise by 1.1 per cent from January 2, which is the smallest increase in six years.

The operator for the Hastings to Charing Cross, via Battle, line claim it offers discounted tickets and special offers to offset fare prices.

“We understand fare prices are a top priority for passengers and that’s why we offer discounted tickets and a range of special offers and promotional fares on Off-Peak travel,” a Southeastern spokesman said.

“These include advanced fares bought online - the cheapest way to purchase our tickets - and our kids for a quid offer for one adult with a valid ticket to pay just £1 each for up to four children.

“Fares contribute to the maintenance and future investment of services, as well as rail infrastructure.

“Over the next three years, Southeastern is investing millions of pounds refurbishing trains, and stations and providing better quality information to help people with their journeys.”

The government announced a one per cent rise for regulated fares earlier this year, which includes season tickets and peak time travel.

But unregulated fares like off-peak leisure tickets can increase by as much as the train companies wish.

RDG chief executive Paul Plummer said: “We know that nobody likes to pay more to travel by train, especially to get to work, and at 1.1 per cent this is the smallest average increase in fares for six years.

“On average 97p in every pound from fares is spent on trains, staff and other running costs.

“With passenger numbers doubling in the last 20 years, money from fares now almost covers the railway’s day-to-day operating costs.

“This allows government to focus its funding on building a bigger, better network when the railway is becoming increasingly important at driving economic growth, underpinning jobs, and connecting friends and families.

“As an industry, we are working closer together to deliver better stations, more trains and improved services, and to get more out of every pound we spend.”

Campainers call fare rise ‘less worse than expected’

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.