Tunbridge Wells commuters see £1,700 rise in annual rail fares over last decade

Commuters from Tunbridge Wells to London have been battered by a £1,700 rise in their annual rail fare over the last decade, latest figures show.

Those making the daily trek to the capital are now paying £4,132 per year - whereas in 2003 they were only paying £2,412.

The shocking figures from Campaign For Better Transport marks yesterday's average fare increase of 3.9 per cent on journeys.

Stephen Joseph, chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: "It's truly shocking that we have deliberately made getting the train to work an extravagance that many struggle to afford. 

"The time has come not just to stop the rises but to reduce the fares."

Frances O'Grady, TUC General Secretary and chairman of Action for Rail, said: "I understand the frustration felt by many commuters going back to work today. 

"At a time when real wages are falling and household budgets are being squeezed, rail travellers are being forced to endure yet another year of inflation-busting fare increases."

The varying cost of a season ticket to London from stations across Kent between 2003 to 2013:

Sevenoaks £1,660 - £3,112

Ashford International £2,660 - £4,780

Canterbury £2,700 - £4,812

Tunbridge Wells £2,412 - £4,132

Tonbridge £2,240 - £3,768

Maidstone £2,360 - £3,960

Gillingham £2,204 - £3,672