OFF-peak Hampshire rail passengers are facing inflation-busting hikes in ticket prices from the new year.
While regular commuters are to see their season ticket charges drop slightly in line with Government rules, those who do not buy tickets in advance are likely to have to fork out more.
South West Trains, which operates most Hampshire stations, says there will be no rise in the average fare on its network when the new prices come into operation.
However, travel watchdogs have accused the firm of introducing price hikes “by the back door” by changing the rules for some passengers.
SWT’s managing director, Andy Pitt yesterday insisted there would only be “limited increases to a small proportion of ‘turn-up-and-go’ tickets” and “some changes to when a minority of tickets are valid”.
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