The cost of travelling by train is set to rise again with above-inflation price increases coming into effect in the new year.

From January 2 season and saver tickets on Southern will rise on average by four per cent with cheap day returns and advance purchased tickets rising on average by three per cent.

Commuters travelling on Thameslink will also see the cost of their season tickets rise by four per cent.

A spokesman for the London Transport Users' Committee said: "We are extremely disappointed that rail passengers once again have to suffer paying higher fares, without any sign of real improvement in services yet.

"Passengers are sick and tired of being forced to pay inflation-busting fare increases year after year."

The committee urged people to try and renew their season tickets before the fare rises were introduced and to ensure they receive any discounts they are entitled to.

There was further bad news for rail passengers this week after it emerged that people have been unable to book advance tickets to travel over Christmas because timetables have not yet been published.

Details about engineering works being carried out over the holiday period have not been made available to some train operators.