At some of the stations the charge will almost double.

Day rates at Durham will rise from �4.50 to �8. Rates at Newcastle will go up from �8 to �12 and at Darlington from �5.50 to �9.

The company says the move, the first increases in about a year, reflects the costs of its 10-year franchise deal signed with the government in 2005.

Charges will now be frozen to January 2008 and then maintained in line with inflation subject to competitor activity.

The company added that its North East stations had benefited from improvements, including the introduction of CCTV, cycle racks, lounges and toilets.