Rail passengers in Oxfordshire are facing fare rises in the New Year as train companies across the country announced ticket price increases today.

Countrywide, regulated fares including season tickets are due to increase by an average of six per cent from January 2.

Unregulated tickets, including most advance fares, will rise by seven per cent on average, with some fares rising 11 per cent.

First Great Western passengers travelling with standard season tickets to London Paddington face an increase of 4.4 per cent.

Passengers travelling from Oxford and Didcot face an increase from £111.40 to £116.30 a week.

There are substantial reductions to some non-London off-peak day fares, including the journey from Reading to Didcot Parkway, which is being reduced from £6.90 to £5.

The fare increases have been announced by the Association of Train Operating Companies.

ATOC said the increased revenue will help pay for major investment to improve the railways and deliver better value for taxpayers.

Train operators are currently carrying out work worth over £800m to introduce new trains, refurbish existing fleets and improve stations.

ATOC said the measures will benefit passengers through more reliable journeys, improved station facilities (including more car and cycle parking) and better personal security.

Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of ATOC, said: “Passengers in recent years have helped pay for 20 per cent more services and performance in the first half of this year is at the highest level since records began, with more than 90 per cent of trains arriving on time.

“Yet, since 1996, in real terms, overall rail fares have risen by just five per cent and standard class regulated fares are actually lower than they were in the year before privatisation.

“Record performance and better services have contributed to the highest number of passenger travelling by rail for 60 years.

“The January fare changes mean that train companies can continue investing in an even better railway and still offer a range of good deals for customers.”