Train passengers in the South West face above-inflation increases to fares, says the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC).

According to ATOC, season tickets and saver and standard day returns will, on average, jump 4.8 per cent across the region.

It also said that cheap day returns and long-distance open and advance fares will increase by 5.4 per cent.

The hefty price rises will come into effect in the New Year.

ATOC said increased revenue was needed to pay for railway improvements, upgrade stations and fund reduced subsidies to some train operators.

Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus: "Passengers will be dismayed that fares are going up again, especially as on most routes they have no choice about which train company to use."

"These increases are slightly above the current rate of inflation, but increases in rail fares over recent years have fallen behind the cost of traveling by bus and car," Atoc said in a statement.

"Since 1999/2000, rail fares have risen by just 5 per cent in real terms compared to 12 per cent for bus fares, about 20 per cent for car fuel and 26 per cent for the cost of car maintenance.

"The relatively low increase in average rail fares has been a factor in the enormous growth in rail travel seen over the past 10 years, with 42 per cent more passengers using the rail network."

George Muir, ATOC director general, added: "We need the revenue from fares to pay for investment in the railway for the benefit of passengers.

"We are providing a higher-performing railway with new, refurbished and more punctual trains and better stations. Nearly 91 per cent of trains ran on time between April and September this year, the highest punctuality level for a decade."

But Anthony Smith, chief executive of Passenger Focus, strongly criticised the size of the rises.

He said: "Passengers will be dismayed that fares are going up again, especially as on most routes they have no choice about which train company to use.

"Many commuters will have to fork out hundreds of extra pounds for their next annual season ticket."

Passenger numbers in the UK are now higher than at any time since 1946, according to ATOC.

First Great Western, South West Trains and Arriva Trains all operate railway services in the South West. A breakdown of the rises for each can be found on the ATOC website - www.atoc.org.