Train fares for South Western Railway passengers will increase by 2.9 per cent next year.

Industry body the Rail Delivery Group made the announcement on Friday (30), confirming that the increase will come into force on January 2 2019.

Fares will rise by an average of 3.1 per cent across the whole country.

According to Office of Rail and Road data, it will be the largest rise since January 2013. Many long-distance commuters will see the annual cost of getting to work increase by more than £100.

The announcement has been met with frustration by passenger groups and trade unions.

General secretary of rail union RMT, Mick Cash, slammed the increase, saying: "Whatever way (Transport Secretary) Chris Grayling tries to dress this up, this latest fare hike is another kick in the teeth for passengers on Britain's rip-off privatised railways."

Anthony Smith, chief executive of watchdog Transport Focus, said "the rail industry cannot be short of funding" as passengers contribute more than £10 billion a year.

But Rail Delivery Group chief executive Paul Plummer said: "Nobody wants to pay more to travel, especially those who experienced significant disruption earlier this year.

"Money from fares is underpinning the improvements to the railway that passengers want and which ultimately help boost the wider economy.

"That means more seats, extra services and better connections right across the country."