DISGRUNTLED passengers have branded rail fare price hikes that will see commuters paying hundreds of pounds extra a year as “disgraceful”.

Harwich commuters travelling to London Liverpool Street could be forced to pay £5,498 for an annual ticket from January, an increase of £186.

And Manningtree commuters would be faced with a £5,415 bill – an increase of £183.

Derek Monnery, chairman of Manningtree Rail Users Association, said: “The train services are awful and any increase in fares would not be acceptable.” 

A Greater Anglia spokesman said: "Government decides the average change to regulated rail fares, including season tickets, each year.
“The details of changes to rail fares will be confirmed later in the year."