INFLATION busting train fare increases of more than seven per cent have been defended as "unwelcome" but necessary.

Since prices went up on Monday (January 2) passengers have had to pay an average of 5.9 per cent more for journeys than they did last year.

People purchasing a standard, weekly season ticket from Orpington to London zones one to six are now paying £53.40 instead of £50.40.

For a yearly travelcard for the same journey, it costs more than £100 a year extra, as the recent increase sees them paying £2,136.00, instead of £2,016.00.

Oyster card users are also having to pay more.

Oyster card users travelling from Bromley South or Hayes to London are paying £4.50 per peak journey rather than last year’s £4.20, an increase of 7.1 per cent.

And single bus journeys using an Oyster card have increased from £1.30 to £1.35 with the daily price cap going up from £4 to £4.20.

But Orpington’s MP Jo Johnson says the increases are necessary.

He said: “I understand it is a difficult time for families and of course, any increase is unwelcome but the railway must be funded somehow, and that is by either increasing everyone’s taxes or by increasing train fares annually by a small percentage.

“This is the first time since 2006 that the train fare increases have only risen an average of one per cent above inflation.

“This shows progress and value for money for passengers.”

And his brother, Mayor of London Boris Johnson, defended the increase on Transport for London services.

He said: "I understand that any increase in tough times is difficult.

“This is a package that has sought to balance the needs of today's passengers whilst ensuring we continue apace with plans to overhaul London's transport system in the face of unprecedented demand.”

WHAT YOUR TRAIN FARE PAYS FOR

The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) has published figures on its website on how the money received from train companies is spent.

For every £1 train companies receive from fares, 48p of that is spent on improving and maintaining tracks, while only 3p is profit.

Cost of staff is allocated 17p of that, as well as another 17p going towards other general maintenance, admin and contractors cost.

Leasing trains is set aside 11p of every £1, whilst only 4p is used to pay for fuel.

ATOC’s chief executive Michael Roberts said: “Money raised through fares helps pay for new trains, faster services and better stations.”

OYSTER CARD FARE INCREASES

Buses

2011: £1.30 Single

2012: £1.35 Single

= 3.8 per cent increase

2011: £4.00 CAPPED

2012: £4.20 CAPPED

= five per cent increase

Trains

Bromley South to London Victoria

2011: £4.20

2012: £4.50

= 7.1 per cent rise

Orpington to London

2011: £5.20

2012: £5.50

= 5.8 per cent increase

Hayes to London

2011: £4.20

2012: £4.50

= 7.1 per cent rise

Penge East to London

2011: £3.30

2012: £3.50

= 6.1 per cent rise

What do you think of the fare increases? Have your say below.