Train operator First Great Western has announced details of the fares changes that will come into effect in January 2008.

In 2007, First Great Western did not increase its fares, but faced with ever-rising costs, the delivery of a £200m investment; and the change in balance from Government subsidy to payment to Government for the franchise, fares cannot be held indefinitely.

First Great Western fares regulated by the Government will rise by 4.8 per cent, while unregulated fares will rise by 6.1 per cent on average. This gives an overall average fares rise figure of 5.3 per cent.

Some fares will be reduced, others frozen, and some fares will rise up to 9.8 per cent.

Unregulated fares include all First Class fares, Standard Class Open fares, Cheap Day return and advance purchase fares.

Not all fares are going up, some fares have been held and Saver fares offers extended. Andrew Haines, First Great Western’s chief operating officer, said: “We are investing £200m in trains stations and customer services and have spent over £70m in the past year. And more and more of the revenue we earn is being returned to Government year by year as national transport policy and payment for it, changes.

“Our investment includes achieving major carbon footprint reductions through fitting brand new engines that reduce emissions by 60 per cent, more seats and new train interiors on High Speed Trains and refreshed interiors on local trains, as well as station improvements and more staff.”

Fares changes include:

• Weekly Season tickets to London terminals on high speed services from West of  Pewsey and Swindon will rise by 9.8 per cent. Monthly Season tickets on high speed services on the same routes are to rise by 4.8 per cent.
• Unregulated fares in the London and Thames Valley area will rise by up to 9.8 per cent.
• Key Saver Return fares will not rise on routes into London from: Swindon, Cheltenham Spa, Bristol, Exeter.
• There will be no fares rise in Devon.
• Fares on the Barnstaple to Exeter peak services are reduced.
• Saver tickets will now be valid on the 1836 from London Paddington to Exeter for customers travelling to and beyond Pewsey.
• New Day Ranger and Rover tickets in the London and Thames Valley area allowing unlimited off-peak travel, which permits Railcard and Child discounts to be used.
• Bicester to Oxford fares held. Stroud Valley fares held.
• Cheap Day fares around Cheltenham Spa are unchanged. Worcester to Bristol and Swindon fares held.
• Fares in South Wales held.

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