Ticket prices will go up by nearly two per cent, rail bosses announced.

Long-suffering passengers will be left more out of pocket after Christmas and New Year’s following an announcement by Govia Thameslink which said it would increase the average fare by 1.8 per cent from January 2.

The new prices will be introduced on Southern and Gatwick Express trains.

The blow was softened somewhat when the Government said tens of thousands of long-suffering Southern rail passengers are to be paid the equivalent of four weeks’ travel for long delays, cancellations and disruption.

Rail fares across the country will rise by an average of 2.3 per cent.

Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: “Passengers will be disappointed that fares will rise by 2.3 per cent – higher than the last two years. Passengers will now want to see the industry’s investment deliver a more reliable day-to-day railway.

“The Government should consider setting rail fare rises around the Consumer Prices Index instead to bring rail fares into line with other recognised measures of inflation.

“Many commuters, in London and the south east in particular, have suffered poor performance. For Southern passengers the one-off refund will be a welcome step to rebuilding trust in the long term. The 15-minute Delay Repay compensation on Govia Thameslink Railway starting next week is a welcome improvement for passengers.”

Govia Thameslink Railway have been asked for a comment.

What do you think about the rail fare hike? Email: anders.anglesey@london.newsquest.co.uk, or call 020 8722 6358.