Train fares are predicted to go up by a whopping 4.1% next year, it was announced this week.

Figures out on Tuesday reveal July’s inflation figure has been set at 3.1%.

Train firms are allowed to increase rail fares by an average of July’s Retail Price Index measure of inflation rate, plus 1%.

The increases will be brought in from January 2014, meaning that, nationally since 2008, fares have risen three times faster than average earnings.

Mike Hewitson, of campaign group Passenger Focus, said people will feel cheated: “Its the inflation-plus element that gets to the heart of commuters, particularly as they don’t feel they are getting value for money now.

“You can almost begrudgingly go with inflation increases, it’s when it’s above inflation – particularly in today’s economy and climate – that’s when it really starts to hurt.”

The rise will make a season ticket from Gravesend to London – currently £4,160 – go up by £170 to £4,330. In January this year, passengers travelling to London were given a 4.2% rise in season tickets – up from £3,996 to £4,160.

In Dartford, the price went up 2% in January from £2,168 to £2,212. This is set to go up to about £2,302.

A spokesman for the Association of Train Operating Companies said: “Government determines how the average season ticket price rise is set each year.

“Since 2004, it has been government policy to allow regulated fares to rise above inflation in order to support investment in more trains, better stations and faster services.

“This is helping to drive passenger satisfaction to near record levels while seeking to reduce taxpayers’ contribution towards the cost of running the railways.

“In order to help limit future fare rises, the rail industry is working with the government to find ways of providing services even more efficiently, building on the progress that has already been made.”