NORTHERN Rail has confirmed a review of fares means small increases on some routes.

The move has been criticised by the RMT rail union, but Northern said it was part of an ongoing process to ensure fares are more consistent and so that customers across its network paid similar prices for similar journeys.

The increases amounted to no more than 50p in all instances, the firm said.

Both Northern and the RMT are currently in dispute about the future role of guards in modernisation plans, which has led to a number of 24 hour strikes on the network.

Liam Sumpter, regional director at Northern, said: “In some areas we have made small increases to bring our fares in line with others in our respective regions.

"We have also increased the number of routes on which standard class advance purchase tickets are available and, on some routes, have extended the times at which off-peak tickets can be used.

“Money raised as a result of any increased fares will go towards delivering better journeys and improving customer service through our ongoing modernisation programme.”

He added: “By 2020 everyone travelling on the Northern network will benefit from brand new or completely refurbished trains thanks to our multi-million-pound fleet investment.

“All the Pacer trains will be gone by the end of 2019. We will also further modernise our stations and facilities, all forming part of a significant modernisation designed to deliver a rail service fit for the 21st Century.”

Mr Sumpter said the rail operator was introducing new advance purchase fares which could be bought on the day of the travel either online or via a mobile phone app, which were significantly cheaper than ‘walk-up’ equivalents.

Northern operates services between Bishop Auckland, Darlington, Middlesbrough and Saltburn and also the Esk Valley line.