A RAIL group has called for a ‘year’s grace’ on the 2.8 per cent rise in season ticket prices revealed by the Government today.

The figure is likely to lead to an increase of more than £100 in the annual cost of getting to work for many commuters, from January.

Bradford Rail Users Group said passengers were slowly starting to see the benefits of increased fares as new trains were introduced.

But James Vasey, chair of the group, said commuters deserved a year without a rise. He told the Telegraph & Argus: “The 2.8 per cent rise is based on the July inflation.

“Getting the new trains, that’s great. The first Pacer train left the tracks not to return. We are getting to the point where we are seeing a benefit. We’d love a year’s grace on the fare rise.”

The rail campaigner hopes Bradford will become a “destination that people come to by rail day and night”. The group is pushing for more new trains and electrification of the Calder Valley line to Manchester.

Explaining his hopes for the city, Mr Vasey said: “Go to the Alhambra, come on the train and know that there’s a train going back.”

Other groups say the way ticket prices are calculated needs to be changed. The Government currently uses the Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation measure – which is no longer seen as a valid national statistic.