MASSIVE fare hikes for Hampshire rail users were expected to be announced today.

Price increases averaging 4.8 per cent are expected to be rolled out on services from the start of January.

Passengers travelling on South West trains, Southern and First Capital Connect will all be affected by the hikes.

The new fares will see a season ticket from Winchester to London Waterloo increase by £160 from £3,552 to £3,712.

Off-peak fares were also expected to increase between five and eight per cent.

Rail manager Sarah Boundy said the increases would pay for improvements to stations and services.

She said: "The new fares will pay for work that has started already and more improvements that are on their way."