A BOLTON MP is calling for cheaper rail fares after moves to cap ticket prices were thrown out in the House of Commons.

Nationwide protests took place last month when it was announced the cost of a rail ticket could increase by as much as 11 per cent next year.

Government policy caps increases at 3 per cent above inflation — which would mean an average 6.2 per cent hike in 2013 — but Labour put forward a motion in parliament this week calling for rises to be restricted to 1 per cent in the future.

But the motion was defeated by a vote of 294 to 231.

Bolton North East MP David Crausby, who voted in favour of the motion, said: “Commuters are struggling with the cost of getting to work and it will only get worse as the government allows train companies to put these huge price increases on to their busiest journeys.

“I was happy to vote in favour of a fair deal on train fares and will continue to campaign for this.”

Rail campaigners staged a day of action last month after the proposed hikes were announced, with protests taking place outside stations up and down the country.

Bolton Council ’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Cllr David Chadwick, warned at the time that the 6.2 per cent figure was the “best case scenario”, and that they could rise as much as 11 per cent.