TRAIN prices across the county are set for a hike.

First TransPennine Express (FTPE), which operates on the West Coast Main Line and the Furness Line, have announced an average increase of 2.4 per cent in fares in the new year.

Advance fares will be frozen but season tickets and ‘walk up’ fares will see an average three per cent increase.

Next year will also mark the introduction of an additional 30 per cent capacity across the rail companies network with the arrival of a £60m new fleet of trains.

Forty new carriages will be available from spring next year and customers will be able to benefit from longer trains and more travel options when the full timetable is implemented in May 2014.

Managing director Nick Donovan said: “We recognise that any fare increase is not ideal for passengers but it is important to continually invest in the railway.”