TRAIN passengers travelling to and from York are facing a price hike in the new year.

Fares are set to go up by 2.2 per cent - the lowest rise for five years - and hit commuters and tourists in the pocket.

The increase in the rail fares is almost 1 per cent higher than the current rate of Consumer Price Inflation, which was recorded as 1.3 per cent in October.

At the moment, the price of a ticket for a single journey from York to London Kings Cross on December 15 ranges from £29.50 to £96.80 when purchased online.

The rise has been criticised by Reg French, of Selby and District Rail Users Group.

He said: "It's still one per cent over inflation and those using the trains have suffered year after year.

"Many people can't get to work without the train and if they are going to York or Leeds they would be in a lot of difficulty if they couldn't use it."

Cllr David Levene, cabinet member for Transport at City of York Council, added: "Year after year we have seen wage-busting, above inflation fare rises and it's just not good enough.

"The Coalition doesn't seem to understand how working people are struggling with the cost of living, and should follow Labour's lead of promising to get fares under control."

A spokesman East Coast spokesman, which operates services from York, added: "The Rail Delivery Group has announced that the average rise in unregulated fares across all train operators from January 2015 will be +2.5%.

"Changes to East Coast fares will be confirmed in due course."