Train fares to rise, but Southern commuters will be compensated

Govia Thameslink Railway has said that ticket prices for Southern trains will rise by an average of 1.8 per cent from January 2.

The fare increase is lower than the national average increase of 2.3 per cent in 2017, following a proposal from the operator to the government.

Fare increases for South West Trains customers will be lower, at an average of 1.5 per cent.

Great Western Railway is imposing the highest increase of the three operators that run trains via Portsmouth, keeping regulated rail fares in line with the retail price index of 1.9 per cent.

Managing director of Great Western Railway Mark Hopwood said: ‘The money raised by government through fares ensures investment in more trains, better stations and faster services.’

South West Trains’ managing director Christian Roth added: ‘We have worked hard to offer the best value travel for our customers.

‘January’s fares will mean fares for South West Trains customers will on average reduce in real terms.’

GTR is introducing a new compensation scheme for commuters who have faced chaos across Southern’s network this year.

Under the scheme, season ticket holders can receive various payments.

Southern passengers will be the first in the country to benefit from a ‘more generous’ Delay Repay system if their train is delayed by 15 minutes or over, rather than the current 30 minutes.