MACCLESFIELD’S commuters have been forced to dig deeper after a sharp rise in train fares.

As of Friday (January 2, 2009), passengers faced average increases of six per cent on regulated fares – including standard, rush hour and season tickets, and 7pc on unregulated fares – off-peak and leisure.

And Macclesfield MP Sir Nicholas Winterton fears the price hike could derail his constituents’ finances.

He said:"I’m deeply concerned that in a time of recession the rail companies have increased their fares."

Also unhappy is Donald McDermott, 74, a retired merchant seaman who lives in Broken Cross.

He said: "I’ve just found out my concession ticket to Manchester hasn’t altered. But I feel for other people who will be hit. It’s a rip off! People’s wages aren’t going up so I don’t know why it’s happened."

Michael Roberts, chief executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies, said the increases were partly due to a reduction in taxpayer funding, but that for many season ticket holders it would mean just £1 or £2 extra a day.

"The fare changes, in our view, strike the right balance between trying to ensure a reasonable level of increase to fund, in return, much improved services."

Anthony Smith, chief executive of Passenger Focus, said: "What makes these rises particularly unpalatable is the fact that inflation is currently about 3pc. People are going to have to dig very deep to find the extra money."

Will Soutter, 20, a student of Stapleton Road, Macclesfield, said he may have to cut back on journeys from Durham University to see his family.

"I rely on the train as my main method of transport. I might not come back as much as I want and will consider my budget."

Jay Rathi, 24, travels from Congleton to Macclesfield every Monday and Tuesday and has hardly noticed a change.

The proofreader said: "My weekly budget has been stretched by a further 80p, which isn’t too bad."

And Steven Knight, a spokesman for Virgin Trains said: "There are now a wider range of fares at Virgin. If people can plan ahead, there are some real bargains out there."