COMMUTERS are being discouraged from travelling by train because of "eye-watering" rail fares, Newport East MP Jessica Morden said in parliament this week.

A 3.1 per cent fare rise in January this year has prompted workers to opt for driving to work instead of taking the train.

"Ministers in Whitehall have talked the talk on cutting harmful emissions, but as things stand they are failing to give people an incentive to use public transport," Ms Morden said in the House of Commons on Thursday (May 2).

The Labour MP's comments came the day after MPs supported a motion to declare a 'climate emergency'.

In transport questions on Thursday, Ms Morden asked: "Constituents have contacted me again this week to highlight the eye-watering increase in the cost of commuting by rail to Bristol and how this is forcing them into their cars. After yesterday’s climate emergency debate, isn’t it time for ministers to act on extortionate rail fares?”

In reply, parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport Andrew Jones praised the UK government's railcard scheme for young people aged 16-17, and said the fare rise – in line with inflation – was no different on Labour-controlled railways in devolved areas.

But speaking afterwards, Ms Morden said the transport secretary, Chris Grayling, had the power to regulate fares but "had chosen not to".

She said: “The 3.1 per cent rail fare increase in January was a blow for passengers across the country, including for many of my constituents who commute from Newport and Severn Tunnel Junction to Bristol.

"One constituent told me this week that she feels the costs of a return ticket from Newport to Bristol for work have actively forced her into using her car."

An any-time day return ticket from Newport to Bristol Temple Meads currently costs £15.80.

The same ticket from Severn Tunnel Junction to Bristol Temple Meads is £9.

The Labour MP added: “Our fragmented, privatised railway has driven up costs and left passengers paying more for less."

Ms Morden said Labour, if in power, would bring railways back into public ownership "so they are run in the interests of passengers, not private profit".