Do the Government and the rail companies want us to travel by train?

We are constantly urged to leave our cars at home and travel by public transport. Yet when we do, we are forced to pay through the nose.

Rail commuters from Oxfordshire have had a raw deal. Overcrowded and late services have meant a year of misery for many on their way to and from work.

And now they are facing another blow - horrendous increases in fares in the New Year.

The rate of inflation doesn't apply when it comes to rail fares.

The Government is anxious to reduce railway subsidies, and the train companies are happy to raise fares to compensate, without a corresponding improvement in service.

The message is - just hammer the commuter as much as you can, he or she will simply take it.

Well, there will come a point when they won't take it, and will abandon the trains for the bus or even the car.

We have seen plenty of signs of rebellion this year, with the Oxrail pressure group making its voice heard.

The new fares structure will give its members plenty more ammunition to throw at the train companies and the Government.