A NORTH-EAST MP has criticised the cost of rail fares after they increased by an average of 3.1 per cent amid punctuality at a 13-year low.

Andy McDonald, Middlesbrough MP and Labour's shadow transport secretary claimed the latest increases are "an affront to everyone who has had to endure years of chaos on Britain's railways" after the cost of many rail season tickets rose by more than £100.

A rail campaign group described the latest fares rise as "another kick in the wallet" for passengers, but the rail industry insists the "vast majority" of revenue from fares covers the day-to-day costs of running the railway.

One in seven trains were delayed by at least five minutes in the past 12 months as a series of major issues have plagued the railway, which is the worst performance since September 2005.

Extreme weather, errors in the launch of new timetables, strikes and signalling failures are among the causes.

The 3.1 per cent average fare rise is the second highest since January 2013.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling marked the increase in fares by announcing that a new railcard to extend child fares to 16 and 17 year olds will be available in time for the new academic year in September.

A railcard for 26-30 year olds goes on general sale today.

Mr Grayling claimed the Government's "record investment" in the rail network will help passengers get the "frequent, affordable and reliable journeys they deserve".

But Labour analysis of more than 180 routes suggests an average commuter is paying £2,980 for their annual season ticket, up £786 from 2010, which was the year the Conservatives came to power as part of a coalition government.

The research also indicates that fares have risen nearly three times faster than wages.

Labour has pledged to return the railways to public ownership and called for prices to be frozen on the worst performing routes.

Rail union leaders, politicians and campaigners will protest against the increasing cost of rail travel outside stations across the country.

Rail, Maritime and Transport union general secretary Mick Cash said fare payers are being "battered by the toxic combination of gross mismanagement and profiteering".

Bruce Williamson, from campaign group Railfuture said: "After a terrible year of timetable chaos, passengers are being rewarded with yet another kick in the wallet."

Darren Shirley, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, said:"The Government's decision to press ahead with this fare rise despite a year of delays, cancellations and overcrowding shows a total disregard for passengers and may leave many wondering what they are paying for."