The government is considering plans to convert first class rail carriages for use by standard ticket holders to ease overcrowding problems on some routes.
According to reports, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin is negotiating with First Great Western on a deal that would see the government pay the train operator to reduce the number of first class carriages on its trains and increase standard class capacity
Rail minister Stephen Hammond told BBC News that the idea was being discussed by the government but added that it was one of several proposals to improve services on the UK’s rail network and would not necessarily go ahead.
The news emerged as rail fares rises averaging 2.8 per cent came into effect - although this is the smallest annual increase for four years. Season ticket prices will go up by an average of 3.1 per cent.
Fares in London have not risen yet – they are due to go up by an average of 2.7 per cent from January 19.
Hammond said: "The government understands concerns rail passengers have about the costs of fares and the impact they have on household budgets. That is why, for the first time in a decade, regulated fares will not rise on average by more than the rate of inflation, offering relief for families and the hard-working people.
"As well as protecting regulated fares, the government is driving forward the biggest programme of rail modernisation programmes ever, with £38 billion being invested over the next five years."