Rail campaigners met with local commuters at Brighton station today to launch a national petition against unfair rail fares.

Brighton was chosen as one of 40 key commuter stations to launch Fair Fares Now, a national campaign from sustainable transport charity, Campaign for Better Transport.

Brighton Pavilion MP, Caroline Lucas, joined the campaigners this morning to help launch the petition and hear first-hand from passengers struggling with transport costs.

With fares now rising four times faster than wages, next year a season ticket from Brighton to London is set to rise by £266.01 to £3,550.04 (1).

As the Government reviews the whole rail fares structure, the petition aims to let ministers know how unpopular and damaging year-on-year fare hikes are.

It calls for a reversal of its decision to raise fares by 28 per cent over the next three years in favour of more affordable, straightforward tickets that provide good value for money and encourage people to choose the train.

Caroline Lucas MP said: "These fare rises are hugely unfair and unnecessary. In the UK, we already pay some of the highest rail fares in Europe.

"Under the Tories, then Labour, and now the coalition, we've seen public transport fares increase in real terms while services have deteriorated.

"Greener travel should not be an expensive luxury - the Government must invest in the UK's public transport network and help reduce fares."

Alexandra Woodsworth, Campaign for Better Transport's public transport campaigner, said:

"Despite rising fuel costs, it's still often cheaper to drive than to take the train. Unprecedented fare hikes next January will deal a further blow to rail commuters and others who rely on public transport.

"With inflation running so high and living costs soaring across the board, it's time for the Government to re-think further punitive fare increases and make sure train travel is affordable and accessible to all."

For more information or to sign the petition visit www.fairfaresnow.org.uk/petition

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1) The rising cost of a season ticket from Brighton to London in absolute terms and in relation to predicted income:
2011 - £3,284.03 or 16.30 per cent of the average salary
2012 - £3,550.04 or 17.24 per cent of the forecast average salary for 2012
2015 - £4,215.72

Examples of fares in London and the South East:
http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/system/files/London-and-south-east-far...

Campaign for Better Transport is the UK's leading authority on sustainable transport. It champions transport solutions that improve people's lives and reduce environmental damage.