Hikes in line for cross-border train fares

The North's transport watchdog has slammed a rise in cross-border rail fares.

Fares are to go up by three times the rate of inflation despite repeated delays in arrivals and disruptions to the service.

The fares reflect the rail company's' aspirations to a first-rate European service.

Alan Walker of the North's General Consumer Council says people are paying premium prices for a second-rate service.

Hundreds of millions have been spent on the service, he says, adding that passengers are paying flagship rates but the service is poor.

If public transport is to challenge the car, rail has to provide an acceptable alternative, he says.