MPS have met with rail chiefs about their concerns over rising train fares. Peter Lilley, MP for Hitchin, and Alistair Burt, MP for North East Beds, were among the group of MPs who met with executives from First Capital Connect (FCC) and East Midlands Tra

MPS have met with rail chiefs about their concerns over rising train fares.

Peter Lilley, MP for Hitchin, and Alistair Burt, MP for North East Beds, were among the group of MPs who met with executives from First Capital Connect (FCC) and East Midlands Trains at Westminster.

"I wanted to know why fares had gone up well above the rate of inflation and I pressed FCC on why their unregulated fares had been raised by nine per cent, the second highest increase in the country," said Mr Lilley.

"The company explained it had to make franchise payments of more than �800 million to the Government over nine years.

"The rail companies admitted that if inflation this year is negative, fares could be frozen or even reduced next year. We will certainly see they are held to that."

Mr Burt said: "I will be calling on the Government to see if there can be any flexibility in the premiums paid by train companies which might allow both companies to offer savings for hard hit commuters.