A TRAIN operator is to increase fares by an average of 2.4 per cent for the coming year.

First TransPennine Express, which operates routes across the north of England, today (MON) announced its fare structure for 2014.

The company says it is freezing its Advance fares at 2013 prices, but its season tickets and "walk-up" fares will go up by an average of three per cent.

First TransPennine Express plans to deploy its new £60m fleet of trains across the network, with more carriages creating an extra 30 per cent capacity.

Managing director Nick Donovan said: "We recognise that any fare increase is not ideal for passengers but it is important to continually invest in the railway.

"Importantly for customers, many of the fares that FTPE control will be frozen and held at 2013 prices".