Kent's train commuters are being charged too much.

That is according to the Commons Transport Committee, which says operators all over the country have used the rail franchise system to charge high prices when inflation is almost zero.

Earlier this year Kent commuters on Southeastern saw their fares rise by an average of eight per cent.

Tunde Olatunji is from watchdog Passenger Focus: “The fares in Kent are probably the highest in the country. Average fares in the country are eight per cent this year and some passengers were seeing fares of up to 13 per cent, so Kent is not doing too well under this franchising system.”

Chief Executive of the Train Operating Companies, Michael Roberts, says: “ATOC has worked closely with Passenger Focus to simplify the fares available and over 80 per cent of passengers travel on some form of discounted ticket. Train companies work hard to give passengers accurate advice on the best value fares and deals on offer."

Mr Roberts continued: "The committee is right to say that the current approach to franchising can still be improved”.

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