by Paul Francis

Hard-pressed rail travellers in the county face an increase in fares of nearly eight per cent from January.

Southeastern has confirmed that average fares are to rise by 7.8 per cent from next year in a price hike destined to cause more misery for long-suffering passengers.

Last year, average fares rose by just 1.6 per cent.

The fare changes are linked to the terms of Southeastern’s franchise agreement with fares regulated by the Department for Transport.

Not all fares will increase by that level and most Saver fares will be unchanged.

Nevertheless, the increases will dismay passenger groups.

Charles Horton, Southeastern’s managing director, said: "Nobody likes to see prices rise but it is the stated policy of the government to move more of the cost of travelling by train towards passengers and away from the general taxpayer.

"There are only two sources of funding for railway journeys - taxpayer subsidy and passengers’ fares.

"The amount of taxpayer subsidy we receive from the government reduces year-on-year and to offset this we need raise the fares to make up the difference and to minimise the burden on taxpayers."

Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless said: "I am disappointed. Rail fares are a growing burden for many in Kent and this increase takes it to the sort of level where people will be looking at alternatives like coaches."

Travellers using High Speed services which began just a year ago from Ashford International to London will see yearly season tickets rise from £4,608 to £5,192.

Anytime day returns will rise to £55.80 from £49.50 while those travelling on the standard service will see day returns increase to £46.50 from £41.30.

For passengers using Tonbridge, a major commuter town, yearly season tickets will rise to £3,408 from £3,048. Daily returns to London will rise to £25.20 from £23.30.

Other yearly season ticket rises from Kent are:

Ramsgate High Speed: £5,240 (was £4,648) Faversham High Speed: £4,788 (was £4,396) Maidstone: £3,588 (was £3,208).