RAIL campaigners say train fares have risen nearly three times faster than wages since the recession began.

Now protests are planned against Yorkshire and the Humber fare hike with rail unions to hand protest Christmas cards to commuters at stations including Doncaster, Leeds and Hull.

TUC’s Action for Rail campaign claims were published yesterday.

Their research shows that between 2008 and 2012 average rail fares increased by 26.6%, with average wages rising by just 9.6% over the same period – well below the rate of inflation.

Train fares are set to outpace wages and inflation again in 2013 after the Association of Train Operating Companies announced a 3.9% increase in average prices last week, with some fares set to rise by as much as 10% from January.

By contrast, wages are forecast to rise by just 2.5%, according the Office for Budget Responsibility.

The findings come as rail unions, transport campaigners and passenger groups join together today to protest against the fare hikes.

Action for Rail campaigners will encourage commuters to use special Christmas cards to tell their local MPs of their concern over what is happening to the UK’s railways.

Between 7.30am and 9.30 am and 4pm and 6pm protesters will hand out the campaigning Christmas cards to commuters arriving at Leeds rail station.