article_snippet.sent: Rail firms came under fire this weekend for planning a series of fare hikes of up to 87 per cent just ten days after the general election - despite the main party leaders pledging to freeze prices.
article_snippet.sent: Mr Cameron has promised to freeze fares in real terms for the whole of the next parliament, while Labour has also pledged to bring in a 'cap' on price hikes.
article_snippet.sent: Train companies have three windows every year in which Train companies can increase 'unregulated' fares, which make up around half of Train companies total revenue.
article_snippet.sent: Unregulated fares can include journeys such as off-peak leisure and advance-purchase tickets.
article_snippet.sent: Other sharp price hikes to be introduced include an off-peak first-class single from Crewe to Northampton on London Midlands, which will rise from £30 to £37, according to trainsplit.com - a website that provides passengers with cheaper ticket options.
article_snippet.sent: Passengers travelling with the rail firm between London and the Cotswolds could face increases of up to 87 per cent come May 17 .
article_snippet.sent: Speaking to Mark Hookham of The Sunday Times, Mike Richardson, of trainsplit.com, said: 'Passengers might very well be surprised at these fare increases when both the main parties have talked about price freeezes.
article_snippet.sent: Hundreds of 'anytime' and 'off-peak' returns rose by 40 per cent in January.
article_snippet.sent: Virgin research found rail fare increases on tickets that passengers buy on the day and on rural routes.
highlights_snippet.sent: Passengers in his Witney constituency could face increases of up to 87% .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Comes after Mr Cameron pledged to freeze fares for whole of next term .
  