Train fares in the United Kingdom will rise by an average of 5.9 per cent in January 2012, the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) said earlier.

From today, fares valid from 2nd January 2012 can be found at National Rail Enquiries so travellers can check how much the cost of their ticket will increase next year.

ATOC officials said this is a few weeks later than usual following the government’s decision on November 29th to lower the average rise it had set for season tickets and some other fares in 2012.

In his Autumn Statement chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne capped fare increases at six per cent, instead of the expected eight per cent.

Attemptng to quell what is likely to be a furious public reaction to the increases Michael Roberts, chief executive of ATOC, said: “Money raised through fares helps pay for new trains, faster services and better stations.

“The long-standing government approach to sustaining rail investment is to cut the contribution from taxpayers and increase the share paid for by passengers.

ATOC launched a new website for passengers explaining why many fares are going up, where money from fares goes and how to save money on rail travel.