TRAIN passengers in Swindon have faced some of the highest fare increases in the country since privatisation in 1995.

First Great Western, which runs services from Swindon to London and the South West, has put up its single fares by 70 per cent in the last 10 years. Only Virgin Trains, which put up standard fares by 80 per cent and first class fares by 120 per cent, has increased the price of its tickets by more.

Christopher Irwin, chairman of the Rail Passengers Committee for Western England, said price increases could be the result of the lack of competition.

But the company defended the fare rises. Elaine Wilde, spokeswoman for First Great Western, said the company had always been open about its fare increases and told people in advance. "We do still believe that we are giving value for money," she said.

"We have invested an awful lot we have a new fleet of trains as well as the millions spent on improvements and the refurbishment of stations."

A standard open single ticket from Swindon to London costs £34 while a first class fare is £56.

A Supersaver fare and an Apex Saver, which must both be bought in advance, cost £30 and £25 respectively.

Since privatisation, First Great Western's saver tickets rose by 24 per cent, a first class season ticket by 32 per cent and a standard season ticket by 28 per cent.