Commute from the Weald? 8% fare hikes on trains are looming if so...

If, like my husband, you make the slog from this part of Kent up to London each day, then sadly the news today from SouthEastern is not going to bring a smile to your face - despite the earlier cheers heard across the nation when Friday 29 April was announced as the date for the Royal Wedding and a public holiday to boot.

Southeastern has confirmed that average fares are to rise by 7.8 per cent from next year in a price hike that will cause more misery for long-suffering passengers.

The fare changes are linked to the terms of Southeastern’s franchise agreement, with fares regulated by the department for Transport.

Not all fares will increase by that level, and most Saver fares will be unchanged.

Nevertheless, the increases will not be welcomed by passenger groups.

Charles Horton, Southeastern’s managing director, said: "Nobody likes to see prices rise but it is the stated policy of the government to move more of the cost of travelling by train towards passengers and away from the general taxpayer.

"There are only two sources of funding for railway journeys: taxpayer subsidy and passengers’ fares.

"The amount of taxpayer subsidy we receive from the government reduces year-on-year and to offset this we need raise the fares to make up the difference and to minimise the burden on taxpayers."

Travellers using High Speed services from Ashford International will see yearly season tickets rise from £4,608 to £5,192. Anytime day returns will rise to £55.80 from £49.50.

For passengers using Tonbridge, yearly season tickets will rise to £3,408 from £3,048. Daily returns will rise to £25.20 to £23.30.

Specific price hike information is not yet available for those making the jounrney from Staplehurst, Marden or Paddock Wood - but watch this space - early indications show they will be similar.