TRAIN operator First Great Western is increasing some of its fares by an average of nearly two per cent from May.

The company, which runs services through Swindon on their way between London Paddington and the South West and Wales, says the fare increases will be used to fund improvements in customer services and performance, new trains and staff training.

Managing director Chris Kinchin-Smith said: "Cust-omers are already seeing the benefits of investment, with extra staff on trains and stations, a new platform being built in Swindon which will improve performance through this key junction, and our new £80 million fleet of Adelante trains."

Some fares will remain unchanged when the new pricing system comes into effect on May 18 including Saver First, SuperSavers and season tickets on all routes.

Fares which will increase include First Open, which will rise by 2.5 per cent on South Wales routes and by 5.5 per cent on other routes while Standard Open fares will go up by 2.5 per cent on South Wales routes and by four per cent on other routes.

There will be no change on Apex fares for South Wales customers, although there will be a rise of 2.5 per cent elsewhere.

More than half of all journeys made by First Great Western will be unaffected by the fares rises.