RAIL passengers have seen an increase in Merseyrail ticket prices after the largest fare hike across the UK in five years.

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) revealed last month that the average ticket price across Britain will go up by 3.4%. 

Across the country, protests have been held outside around 40 stations to mark the biggest increase since 2013.

Some Merseyrail tickets will see a price increase, however, their fares are set to remain among the lowest in the UK.

Merseyrail say that the price of some of their tickets will be frozen.

Changes include daysavers increasing by 10p to £5.20.

The cheapest ticket will be £2 which is a return from Liverpool to Sandhills and the most expensive Merseyrail fare will be £8.65 which is a return from Chester to Southport - the cost of a family ticket will stay the same at £11.

Merseyrail commercial director David O’Leary said: "Each year, we work hard to keep fares as low as possible.

"In 2018, the price of some tickets will go up in line with the Retail Price Index, reflecting the rising cost of operating the network.

"In spite of this, Merseyrail fares still represent good value for money, ensuring that our network remains accessible to the majority, supports communities and boosts the local economy."

Rail routes which are now more expensive include Liverpool to Manchester - which is up £108 to £3,152.

The chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) Stephen Joseph has accused the Government of choosing to 'snub rail passengers' by continuing to increase fares while fuel duty is frozen for a seventh year.

Mr Joseph said: "The extra money that season ticket-holders will have to fork out this year is almost as much as drivers will save.

"That doesn't seem fair to us or the millions of people who commute by train, especially as wages continue to stagnate.

"What's good enough for motorists should be good enough for rail passengers."