ALTON rail users are suffering inflation-busting fare hikes to travel on what statistics have revealed as one of the most overcrowded train services in the country.

Fares across the South West Trains network rose yet again last Wednesday, with an annual season ticket from Alton to London going up £158 to £3,744 – a 4.2 per cent increase.

Although less severe than feared – a 6.2 per cent rise was rumoured in August – the hike far exceeds the current Consumer Price Index inflation rate of 2.7 per cent, meaning Alton season ticket holders are being squeezed by a 1.5 per cent above inflation increase.

To add insult to injury, the 7.14am Alton to Waterloo service was named the ninth most overcrowded train in the UK by the Department for Transport.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.