4 January 2012 Last updated at 10:16 ET

Chiltern Railways 13% fare increase attacked by watchdog

A rail watchdog has attacked a 13% increase in a rail fare between Birmingham and London.

Chiltern Railways have increased the cost of its Birmingham to London Anytime fare from £75 to £85.

The firm said it believed it was still the "best-value peak fare into London when journey times and facilities are taken into consideration".

The annual rise for regulated fares like season tickets across the rail network this year was 6%.

Anthony Smith, from the independent watchdog group Passenger Focus, said: "Passengers will be shocked at the 13% fare increase on Birmingham to London services and will want to know why the peak fare has gone up so much."

Chiltern Railways said its overall average increase in January 2012 was below the national average for all train companies.

The company said the Anytime fare had been restored to its previous level.