FIRST Capital Connect (FCC) rail fares are to rise by an average of 5.5 per cent from January 1, the train company has revealed.

The increase is slightly below the national average rise of 6.2 per cent announced by ATOC - the Association of Train Operating Companies.

In addition to the fare rise, station car park tariffs will increase by a swingeing 8.5 per cent which includes the 2.5 per cent increase in VAT which comes into force in January.

FCC said today that customers could buy tickets for trains and car parks for the year ahead at existing prices until the end of December.

A spokesperson said: “We have sought to minimise price rises. On most tickets, these are the first price rises for two years. We want to encourage continued growth in rail travel and we have set our prices accordingly.”