Protests expected at Manchester train stations as rail fare hike comes into force
Ticket prices have risen by an average of 3.4%
Protesters are expected to descend on several stations across Greater Manchester this morning to coincide with the annual hike in rail fares.
It's the biggest increase for five years with the average ticket price going up by around 3.4%.
A group of demonstrators will gather at Manchester Piccadilly, Stockport Station, Warrington Bank Quay and Warrington Central.
Passenger groups claim the increase is unfair because it has been introduced amid a freeze on fuel duty and is outpacing earnings.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: "As many passengers return from their festive break, rail fare rises will bite as wages continue to stagnate.
"Satisfaction with value for money varies widely. Annual season ticket commuters in London and the South East are among the least content.''
He added that welcome investment is being made in the railways but warned that "passengers need to be able to rely on the trains today''.
Bruce Williamson, spokesman for campaign group Railfuture, said: "Fuel duty for motorists has been frozen for seven years now, but not rail fares, which have risen by more than 30% in that same period.
"The Government is showing undeniable bias against the rail traveller and driving people on to our ever more congested and polluted roads.
"Fares are rising faster than most people's wages so they are taking a larger slice of their income.''
Members of the RMT Union will hand out chocolates to commuters to "sweeten the bitter pill" of the fare rises.