More rail fares rises likely this year Defending the previous increases a First Great Western spokesman said: "Our off-peak services are among the cheapest in the industry." Other options available to train operators include cutting back the hours when the cheapest off peak tickets are available. Currently, for example, the law allows peak fares to be charged on trains out of London until 10.30am. However rail companies have not exploited this provision and tend to discount fares after 9am. But in recent years the definition of peak hours has been extended by a number of long distance train operators and the option remains open to during them. By redefining peak hours, train companies can deny that they are putting up the cost of journeys. However they are still able to boost their earnings by forcing more passengers onto the more expensive services. The prospect of more fare rises during the year at a time when many family incomes are being squeezed the year incensed transport campaigners and unions. "Passengers already angry with above inflation increase will be infuriated to discover that the Government is allowing operators the freedom to raise fares even more during the year," said Stephen Joseph, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport. This is calculated to push people back onto our overcrowded roads. If the Government is serious about using fares to get people back onto the railways, it should use its industry review to look at the scope it gives train operators to sneak other rises under the wire. Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT Transport union added: "Not only are the greedy train operators and their supporters in government bleeding passengers dry but they are also deliberately trying to hide the biggest fare increases from public view. Meanwhile the Treasury Twitter site was flooded with tweets from angry commuters protesting at the latest round of increases. My monthly rail ticket is the same price as rent. Funnily enough, I can't afford to move out of home," tweeted Holly Thompson. Sam Tarry added: "I'm paying 6% more for my rail fare. I am angry as services don't improve.