A passenger group has called for a halt to “government-dictated” train fare rises which could see increases for Bradford commuters of double the rate of inflation.

Wharfedale Rail Users’ Group claims the latest Government limits on regulated fare increases will put a strain on families with low incomes.

Annual season tickets for Ilkley to Leeds commuters could cost £1,235 next year, with a peak-time day return costing £8 or more. An annual season ticket between Bradford and Leeds is likely to rise from £908 to £964.30, and to £1,015 in 2014 and £1,144 by 2016, the Campaign for Better Transport fears.

This week, the Government announced operators will be able to increase regulated rail fares from the new year by three per cent above inflation.

The higher-than-expected Retail Price Index figure for July – the base used for calculating train fares – was 3.2 per cent, meaning many peak time fares and season tickets could increase by 6.2 per cent.

Wharfedale Rail Users’ Group secretary, Peter Johnson, said: “It’s surely time now to call a halt to these government-dictated annual inflation-busting fare increases.”