Blow to commuters as train fares rocket

THE annual cost of travelling from Chelmsford to London has this week rocketed by more than £150 despite fears Britain could be entering a recession.

Train fares for National Express East Anglia services via mid-Essex have gone up by an average of six per cent, angering commuters who have no option but to swallow the above-inflation rise.

The price hike, introduced on Friday, puts the cost of a season ticket from Chelmsford to London Liverpool Street at £3,140 – up 5.4 per cent from £2,980, while fares from Witham have risen nearly £200.

The train company has defended the price hike by reassuring customers that it is continuing to invest in services and will continue to offer a range of discounted and special fares.

David Bigg, chairman of the Witham and Braintree Rail Users' group, which covers Chelmsford, said: "If we are getting above inflation rises we want more services – we want 24-hour train services from London to Chelmsford, Witham and beyond and we want services on Boxing Day."

The group has recorded a decline in off-peak travel and expects the number of travellers to drop off again now the new prices have been introduced – but for the thousands of commuters who rely on the railways there is no option but to pay.

"Commuters who must pay these fares in order to earn a living are hardest hit, they don't have the discretion to not travel," said Mr Bigg.

Mark Leslie, secretary of the Essex Rail Users' Federation, added: "These rises are outrageous.

"National Express East Anglia is allowed to take one per cent above inflation but the rate of inflation has dropped since the fares were calculated last year. They are exploiting their monopoly position."

The Association of Train Operating Companies claims that travelling by rail is still the cheapest option estimating that driving into central London would cost £26.28 a day, while a Chelmsford to London season tickets works out at £13.83 per day.