Rail passengers in Oxford are stepping up their campaign for London-bound commuter fares to be frozen in January.

Last month First Great Western announced that regulated fares to London, which include weekly and annual season tickets, would rise by 4.8 per cent from January 2. Protesters say the move shows "contempt" for Oxford's rail users.

Commuters buying a standard day return from Oxford to London will have to fork out £43.10 - a 9.67 per cent increase.

Passengers in Oxford are furious that First Great Western has given passengers in Swindon and the West Country a better deal by freezing some fares - and are demanding equal treat- ment.

Zahra Akkerhuys, a spokesman for Ox Rail Action, said the group had written to Andrew Haines, chief operating officer at FGW, calling for regulated fares to be frozen from Oxford to London in January.

She said: "Oxford commuters have had a horrendous year of service from First Great Western throughout 2007, yet the company has made huge profits - and now it is putting up our fares.

"Andrew Haines has said he wants to improve life for passengers but now, less than three months into his time as chief executive, he has done this.

"This move shows complete contempt for Oxford passengers, given the service we have received this year.

"We would like to see all regulated fares - which include Saver and season tickets - frozen for 2008.

"Surely he can see that this gesture of goodwill would go down well on the platforms."

Ms Akkerhuys added that the group had been invited to a meeting with Mr Haines in January, but wanted him to freeze the regulated fares before the meeting.

Adrian Booth, a spokesman for First Great Western, said: "Mr Haines will be responding to Ox Rail Action's letter and meeting members of the group next month. As part of the timetable changes, there will be additional capacity and a phased introduction of more high-speed trains."

Mr Booth said Oxford was covered by the Network Railcard, which could cut the price of some off-peak journeys.