by political editor Paul Francis

pfrancis@thekmgroup.co.uk

The minister for transport has triggered anger among rail commuters after saying that the costs of travel meant they were "a rich man's toy".

Kent commuters were hit by huge fare increases of up to 13% on some routes earlier this year, with some season ticket prices on routes rising to more than £5,000.

They face average rises of 8% next year and detailed prices are expected to be announced in November.

Mr Hammond admitted that the "uncomfortable fact" was that trains were already used by the better-off and some fares were "eye-wateringly expensive".

He was responding to MPs' questions about regulating fare prices on the planned second high speed rail link so that it would be a "railway for everybody".

Commuter season tickets are set to rise by about 8% on average next year - an above-inflation increase under plans to reduce the cost of the rail network to the public purse.

Mr Hammond was speaking at the Commons transport committee to answer questions on High Speed 2. Replying to one question about the fares on the new routes, he said: "Uncomfortable fact number one is that the railway is already relatively a rich man's toy - the whole railway.

"People who use the railway on average have significantly higher incomes than the population as a whole - simple fact."

In a later interview, he said: "Is the railway expensive? Yes it is. Is that because we have too high costs in our railway? Yes it is.

"The government is determined that, along with the rail companies and Network Rail, we will tackle excessive costs in the railway and get the costs of running our railway down so it becomes more affordable for taxpayers and fare payers alike."

Stephen Joseph, of the Campaign for Better Transport said the government must reconsider its fare plans.

"Far from being simply 'a rich man's toy', trains are vital for many of those on more moderate incomes who need to get to work.

"The government will price many off the railways if it carries on with its plan to increases rail fares at three per cent above inflation over the next few years."

The rail hikes have come under fire from many MPs and council chiefs.

Cllr Bryan Sweetland, Kent County Council cabinet member for transport said the planned rises were "unacceptable".

"In many cases, commuters are paying out more in rail fares than they are in mortgage repayments. It is very clear that Kent's rail commuters are not being treated fairly."