Virgin is one of the companies having its services cut

Fare rises and service reductions will make trains even more unpopular, rail pressure group Transport 2000 said.

But train companies stressed the fare rises were a normal feature of the new timetable and that service cuts were being introduced to make the it run more smoothly.

They were backed by the Strategic Rail Authority under the understanding that fewer trains would make the services more punctual.

Our advice is to catch a train while you can Transport 2000

Transport 2000 said Great Western's full fares were going up about 3% in standard class and 6% in first class, with GNER's business savers going up about 5%.

It added that with the SRA set to introduce a new fares regime that could see previously capped commuter fares rising and more service cuts planned, passengers should "make the most of the railways while they can".

The SRA announced in January 2003 that about 100 services would be cut to improve punctuality.

'Running on time'

Transport 2000's Public Transport Campaigner, Mick Duncan, said: "This combination of fares hikes and service cuts will only make rail less attractive and less user-friendly.

"But worse could be ahead. Our advice is to catch a train while you can: the 2003 summer timetable may be the last to offer a relatively affordable and comprehensive service."

Affected companies are Virgin CrossCountry, Great Western, Central Trains and South Central.

A spokesman for the Association of Train Operating Companies said: "Passengers want to see trains run on time, so let's wait and see whether the timetable changes lead to improved performances."