Rail fares up by four per cent

12:46pm Wednesday 28th November 2007

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PASSENGERS on South West Trains face an increase in ticket prices of over four per cent in January.

The annual fares change, which takes place on January 2, 2008, will see off-peak fares overall increase by an average of 4.3per cent and regulated fares will increase by an average of 4.8per cent.

However, more than 5,000 super off-peak and many saver fares will be held at current prices, it was announced today (November 28).

Bruce Akhurst, South West Trains' commercial and marketing director, said: "With our super off-peak fares we are making train travel even better value for money for our passengers. In the last year alone we have recorded our best ever train performance and have invested in excess of £5 million in stations across our network. But it doesn't stop there, as passengers can look forward to more car park expansions across our network and 14 major station improvement projects over the next three years."

South West Trains' has been improving its rolling stock and during the last year has refurbished 54 diesel coaches. By May next year the entire diesel fleet will be refurbished which will bring benefits for passengers travelling from the west of England. Some of the improvements include on-board CCTV, passenger information screens on all units, new first and standard class seats and improved lighting.

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