RAIL users will face a hike in train fares as First Capital Connect (FCC) announced next year’s prices yesterday (Tuesday).

From January 2 FCC fares will rise by an average of 5.7 per cent, 0.2 per cent lower than the national average as revealed by the Association of Train Operating Companies.

An average weekly peak ticket from Stevenage to London King’s Cross will rise from �75.50 to �80, a monthly ticket will cost �307.20 and the annual price will go up by �180 to �3200.

In Hitchin, a weekly peak ticket to King’s Cross will increase by �4.70 to �84.20, monthly will be �323.40 and an annual ticket will rise from �3180 to �3368.

Commuters in Letchworth GC buying a weekly peak ticket to King’s Cross will pay �90.10, a hike of �5.10, a monthly fare of �326 and an annual rate of �3604 instead of �3400.

The prices of super off-peak tickets, which are valid at the weekend, have been frozen.

Station car park tariffs will increase by up to 3 per cent to cover rising overheads, including energy costs. Off-peak tariffs will be frozen.

Passengers can buy tickets for the year ahead at current prices provided that the first date on which they are valid is on or before January 1, 2012. This also applies to car park season tickets.

A spokesperson for FCC said: “In these difficult times, we have minimised price rises across the board to limit the impact of regulated fares increases on our customers.”