Yet another round of train fare hikes has been dubbed "a double kicking" leaving Southeastern rail commuters "feeling the pinch".

With inflation currently at five per cent, ticket prices are set to rise next year by an average of eight per cent with passengers still reeling from Southeastern fares going up by 12.6 per cent in January.  Chairman of the Orpington and District Passenger Transport Users Association Brian Cooke said: "I think it's a pity Southeastern customers are going to face significantly above inflation rises for the fifth year in a row.

Orpington MP Jo Johnson, who criticised Southeastern for its January fare increases, said: "I am conscious that rail users in Orpington will be feeling the pinch following this latest hike.  I am due imminently to meet Charles Horton, the managing director of Southeastern trains, and I will be pressing hard for evidence that they are delivering value for money to commuters. In particular, we need more fast trains during peak hours and less overcrowding as justification for these very painful increases in fares."

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