Abergavenny train commuters face the biggest fare increase in five years, as rail companies hike ticket prices by an average of 3.4 per cent, from this week.

Fares spiked by their largest margin since 2013, prompting protests at stations across the country, as a study suggested that rail commuters in the UK are paying up to five times that of the average user on the Continent. ??Arriva Trains Wales fares went up by 3.3 per cent whilst Great Western Railways jumped by 3.1 per cent.

Local councillor Tudor Thomas, said the increase would hurt Abergavenny commuters who have to travel five days a week to jobs in Cardiff and neighbouring areas by paying the daily return fee of £14.80.

“The biggest problem is for Abergavenny people who have to travel to work. With fares rising again, a commuter is looking at almost £300 a month just to get to work. Who can justify that? ??“This government, and subsequent governments, will have to seriously invest in the transport system. If it was reasonable and reliable, people would use it. Until then, people will stick with their cars, and nobody can blame them,” he said.

Attacking the rises, the TUC said season tickets will increase a third faster than wages in 2018, this year.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said, "Another year, another price increase. Many commuters will look with envy to their continental cousins, who enjoy reasonably priced journeys to work.

"Employers can help out by offering zero-interest season ticket loans, or offering more flexible work hours and locations.

"But ultimately the Government need to take our railways back into public hands. "

A Department for Transport spokesman said, "We are investing in the biggest modernisation of our railways since the Victorian times to improve services for passengers – providing faster and better, more comfortable trains with extra seats.

"We keep fare prices under constant review and the price rises for this year are capped in line with inflation, with 97p out of every £1 paid going back into the railway."