FARNHAM rail users hit by a New Year’s Eve walkout on South Western Railway as part of its ongoing dispute over guards with the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) saw their fares increase again last week.

The fresh hike in rail fares from January 2 has been condemned by commuters, following a year of disruption and strikes on South Western Railway’s services.

The increase means that for a season ticket holder travelling from Farnham to London terminals, an annual ticket will cost them £128.77 more this year, rising from £4,024 to £4,152.77.

Independent watchdog Transport Focus said the rail industry got £10bn a year from passengers, who wanted a reliable railway offering better value for money. But only 45 per cent are satisfied with the current performance, with train-service punctuality being at a 13-year low.

Rail campaign groups described the latest fare rise as “another kick in the wallet” for passengers.

Jeremy Varns, campaigns co-ordinator for action group South Western Railway Watch, said: “Once again rail passengers face the worst possible start to the new year with another round of fare rises.”

He added recent research shows rail passengers in the UK are now spending up to five times more of their salary on season tickets than passengers in other European countries.