RAIL passengers have reacted angrily to news that fares are set to rise.

From next month First Great Western is increasing first-class open-fares by an average of 7.5 per cent around three times the rate of inflation. Standard open prices will also rocket by six per cent.

Off peak tickets, including Apex, Advance and Super Advance, are also going up by an average of three per cent.

This latest blow to commuters, who already have to deal with long delays on the UK's crippled rail network, comes almost a year after the operator imposed a 2.5 per cent rise on South Wales routes and 5.5 per cent on others for first-class open tickets.

Wayne Ford, 38, from Chalford Avenue in Nythe, regularly travels to London. And he says enough is enough.

"When I use the trains I have to allow at least an hour at the other end to make sure I get to appointments on time that costs me time and money," he fumed.

The art director conceded however, that many of the problems are not down to individual rail operators.

He said: "I don't think it is necessarily their fault. They are being let down by Network Rail, who look after the lines."

Kevin Small, an independent member of the Rail Passengers Council and Swindon borough councillor, described the rise as disappointing.

He said: "Putting fares up will only dissuade people from travelling."

First Great Western insists it is still cheaper, in many cases, to hop on a train than use a private car. But when the Advertiser quizzed commuters during yesterday's morning rush-hour many felt they would be better off taking to the road.

Alison Forster, the operator's managing director, said it is committed to improving the level of service.

She said: "We have introduced new services and trains, invested heavily in staff development and now carry 40 per cent more customers than at the time of privatisation."

How the prices will change after May 23:

First class open return to London. Now - £102. New price approx - £109.65

Standard open return to London. Now - £62. New price approx - £65.72

First class open return to Oxford. Now - £51. New price approx £54.82

Standard open return to Oxford. Now - £35. New price approx - £37.10.