Rail fare increases of up to 11% which come into force today have been condemned by consumer groups.
Regulated fares, which include season tickets, will go up by 4.8% and some other fares will increase as much as 9%.
Consumer watchdog Passenger Focus said the rises were unjustified. Chief executive Anthony Smith said: “Train companies that are not delivering a quality service should freeze their prices. Passengers who are not getting what they paid for must complain to their train company.”
However, director general of the Association of Train Operating Companies George Muir said the fare increases would pay for investment in services. “Billions of pounds are being spent to improve the railway and the results are showing through,” he said.