A rail passenger watchdog has criticised First Great Western for increasing fares, only three months after reducing them.

After cutting some single fares by half in September to attract new customers, First Great Western have now put them up again by 15%, raising a Plymouth to London off peak single ticket from £43 to £49.50. The South West's train operators are also introducing new limits on when cheaper off-peak tickets can be used, described by Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, as "effectively forcing passengers into buying more expensive tickets."

So don't they want those customers after all?

According to a First Great Western spokesman, the cuts did not have the effect they were looking for. In three months?? Meanwhile, Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership (DCRP) has reported a 65% increase in passenger numbers using Devon and Cornwall's rural branch lines over the last five years, citing better service from First Great Western, improvements to the track and more awareness of railway services as the cause.

Related Links

• Devon Directory: Transport and Motoring
• BBC News: Anger as train fares rise by 15%
• BBC News: Passengers on rural lines in Devon and Cornwall up 65%

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