Watford commuters feel “poor performance” has not justified rising fares despite soaring costs.

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.

The cost for an annual season ticket between Watford Junction and London Euston would therefore rise from £3,712 to £3,894, if the maximum fare increase is applied.

Robin Hall, from Watford Rail Users Group, said that the committee has not yet discussed the potential fare rise but added: “Undoubtedly any rise is unwelcome particularly in the context of poor performance, but the industry is incurring an increase in costs which have to be met, although efficiencies, not cuts, are also needed.”

He added: “In general, we take the view that the fare structure is in need of significant simplification in order to encourage more travel by rail and increase income by revenue earned rather than fare rises.”

Yusef Ahmad, who uses Watford’s Abbey Line service each day, said “I feel that they are just laughing at me”.

Watford Observer: Watford Junction.Watford Junction. (Image: Newsquest)

Trains on the line were cancelled for a full week during an ASLEF overtime ban at the start of the month while faults or staff shortages have regularly led to long-lasting disruption.

“I can’t understand how they can justify a price rise when I have not had consistent service,” the Watford resident added.

Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Stotesbury called for simplified fares, adding Watford to TfL Zone 6, and investment in local stations.

“This is one more thing for commuters to deal with. People using Watford Junction and travelling further afield have put up with so much chaos and disruption on our railways this past year," the transport portfolio holder said.

"Simple journeys are becoming complex and difficult. After the huge rise in fares, sadly from March you’ll be spending more money despite all the delays, cancellations and hugely disrupted journeys."

Announcing the rise, the Government described it as “a significant intervention”, due to the cap increase being below July’s 9 per cent retail price index (RPI) figure which rises were historically based on.

Watford MP Dean Russell also highlighted the £12 billion pounds of taxpayers’ money this year spent to support rail travel.

Watford Observer: Watford Junction Abbey Line platform.Watford Junction Abbey Line platform. (Image: Abfly)

“The Government have stepped in to cap fare increases at 4.9 per cent and they will not increase until the March 3 2024,” he added.

“With more people working from home in recent years, our railways are sadly losing revenue and continue to need large subsidies to keep going.

“The rise is needed to sustain the services, but it is also important that passengers are not hit badly with costs.”