Commuters in Watford, Bushey and Kings Langley could be hit with a significant increase to their rail fares next year, with some season tickets set to cost more than £4,000.

The Department for Transport has said that most fares, including season tickets, can increase by up to 4.9 per cent from March next year.

If the maximum fare increase is applied to services in our area, commuters will be facing a hefty increase to their season ticket prices.

The cost for an annual season ticket between Watford Junction and London Euston could rise from £3,712 to £3,894, while a comparable ticket between Kings Langley and London Euston could rise from £3,880 to £4,071.

Commuters travelling between Bushey and London Euston could see a rise from £2,976 to £3,122.

The cost of monthly season tickets would also increase. From Watford Junction, Kings Langley and Bushey to Euston, they could cost £373.87, £390.76, and £299.70 respectively.

It is unclear how the government have reached the 4.9 per cent figure. It is significantly below July's Retail Prices Index measure of nine per cent, which is traditionally used to determine annual fare rises. 

The Consumer Prices Index, which is a more commonly used inflation figure, was 3.9 per cent in November.

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When train fares rose earlier this year, the cap was set at 5.9 per cent.

Mark Harper, the transport secretary, said: “Having met our target of halving inflation across the economy, this is a significant intervention by the Government to cap the increase in rail fares below last year’s rise.

“Changed working patterns after the pandemic mean that our railways are still losing money and require significant subsidies, so this rise strikes a balance to keep our railways running, while not overburdening passengers.

“We remain committed to supporting the rail sector reform outdated working practices to help put it on a sustainable financial footing.”

Louise Haigh, the shadow transport secretary, described the rise as "brutal" and "an insult to millions".

Fare changes for Transport for London (TfL) services are set to be announced in the new year.