CHRONICLE readers on Facebook and Twitter have slammed the hike in rail fares.

Reacting to the news that the cost of a journey between Chester and Crewe had risen by more than 10%, visitors to the Chester Chronicle Facebook page have had their say.

Pete Wright said: “Sadly, it’s yet another example of big business kicking the public when they are down.

“The utilities, train companies, supermarkets, fuel suppliers are all adding above-inflation increases when most pay rises are well below or zero.”

Becci Donovan said: “We have to budget very carefully.

“Everything is increasing in price and for the railways to put up their prices, we should really be seeing a improvement in service, which we are not. The trains are still often dirty, over-crowded and late.”

Sharon Hughes said: “Congestion on the roads will never ease while the cost of alternatives is prohibitive.”

Olly Trevor Clark said: “A joke, (you) can fly out of the country for that price,” while Helen Morgan said: “I would hate to have to use it.”

Karina Moody said the price rise was: “Insane, especially since that shuttle train between Crewe and Chester hasn’t been updated or improved in any way for years.”

Jo Parker May added: “May as well use the bus, that’s cheaper.”

But Richard Thomas Jones defended the price rise. He said: “Do you know how much it costs to fuel almost 175 locomotives? It’s four figures per loco, per night.

“I’m not sure how many are in the fleet since I left, but it’s a lot of money. Railways cost a fortune, and the more it costs to run, the less money there is to invest to keep the network ticking.

“It’s hardly a massive increase, and let’s face it, some people quite happily spend more on alcohol and cigarettes.”

On Twitter, Leslie Platt said: “In the mid-1960s, the price of a monthly season ticket between Crewe and Chester was less than £7.50.”

Lucy Beaumont added: “It’s not doing much to encourage people to use public transport – it’s more expensive than driving.”