Expectations that train fares will rise 3.6 per cent in from the start of 2018 have been greeted with a mixed reaction in Swindon, where commuters already face some of the highest prices in Europe.

The news comes following the release of the Retail Price Index, which sets the level at which fares can be increased.

Speaking about the impact that increased prices would have on local rail users, Graham Ellis, an administrator at the Great Western Passengers’ Forum, said: “The rise is across the full basket of fares; what we will not know yet is which fares in particular will go up.”

“If it turns out to be a general 3.6 per cent then Swindon to London commuters will feel it dearly. On that route, we have pricing which makes it is one of the highest fares-per-mile anywhere in Europe.”

The news was especially difficult at a time where local commuters faced extended disruption, he said: “We are at something of a down point at the moment, with a lot of engineering work taking place. We are feeling pain before we feel the gain. Timescales which have been falling back, and expectations being reduced, do not inspire great confidence that the current timeframes will be adhered to.”

A spokesperson for Great Western Railway defended continued price rises: “The money raised by government through fares ensures investment in more trains, better stations and faster services.

“This investment is already delivering new trains in London and the Thames Valley; and we will see the first of our new Intercity Express Trains in passenger service in just a matter of months – delivering more seats; and, with the completion of the new fleet, more frequent services and quicker journeys.

“Since 2004, the government has sought to sustain investment in the railways by reducing the amount that taxpayers contribute and requiring passengers to pay a greater share.”

Others were wary of the benefits increasing prices bring. Roger Newman, chairman of the West Wiltshire Rail Users Group, said of the expected rises: “It will have an impact on the pocket and rail users will be disappointed.

“But indications are that the number of people who are travelling by train in this country shows no sign of going down. Predictions show that the number of people travelling by train is going to double by 2040.”

He said passengers needed to see improvements in service to believe the costs were justified: “We need more capacity, and greater punctuality. We need more modern rolling stock which is suitable for the plans in question, and more connectivity between trains. The passenger must be put before the accountants.”