AN increase in season ticket prices for rail users in Bradford district could have been a lot worse for passengers, according to the head of a transport users group.

That was the view of James Vasey, chairman of the Bradford Rail Users' Group, said the increase was "not as high as it could have been".

He also pointed out that the hikes of between 1.2 per cent and 2.46 per cent were less than marked increases in previous years.

It comes on the back of an announcement about increased rail fares across the country – with the national average cost of a season ticket rising by 2.5 per cent.

Mr Vasey pointed out the percentage rise for three Bradford district routes' annual and weekly season tickets.

Bradford to Leeds will increase 1.2 per cent, Keighley to Bradford by 1.49 per cent, and Skipton to Bradford by 2.46 per cent.

"What they are doing is trying to keep fares down for key commuter routes," said Mr Vasey. "Unfortunately, they have increased on those less-packed routes. You can understand why they have done that."

He added: "The increase on the Skipton to Bradford line is twice the increase of Bradford to Leeds. Those costs are quite high, especially when they are both on the Airedale line, and the train is going the same way with the same staff."

Mr Vasey also pointed to open access at Bradford Forster Square as a reason for price hikes, with some still not paying for a ticket.

"If we could ensure fares were collected from every passenger, we would not need to increase prices."

He added: "We understand that fares are going up. But fares are going up less than in previous years.

"It is a small rise for busy commuter routes, on top of previous increases. It is another increase, although not as high as it could have been, so that is to be welcomed."

Mr Vasey also advised commuters travelling on local lines that didn't include changing trains at Leeds or a bus ride, to avoid buying a Metro season ticket and instead to buy a standard orange season ticket to save money.

Rail industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said the money from fares helped maintain the railways, therefore benefiting passengers and the economy.

RDG director general Michael Roberts said: "Money from fares goes towards running and maintaining the railway. This benefits not just passengers and businesses but communities across the country, by improving journeys, creating employment and helping to boost the economy."

But TSSA rail union leader Manuel Cortes said: "It is time to stop this annual persecution of passengers with year-on-year hikes in fares. We have seen fares jump by as much as 245% on key routes since privatisation 20 years ago."