Commuters chanted in protest as fares to travel into London rose today (Tuesday January 3) by 2.2%.

Rail passengers in the capital were joined by others across the country who protested against the hike and the poor services.

The rise has once again sparked London Mayor Sadiq Khan to push for devolution of rail services to Transport for London (TfL), despite getting snubbed by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling in December .

Campaigners have protested against the 2.3% rise in London, Manchester, Glasgow and more stations

The Tory minister rejected Mr Khan's plans to control rail services coming to the capital, saying he only wants TfL to be "closely involved".

However, a leaked memo from 2013 suggested it was to "keep suburban rail services out of the clutches of any future Labour Mayor".

In a recent poll, 58% think TfL should have more control of commuter rail lines, with only 5% saying they should have less control

London Assembly members on Tuesday December 7 urged the cabinet to rethink the decision, claiming it did not put train passengers first.

It comes as a new poll has revealed that 14% of passengers across London and the wider commuter belt backed Mr Grayling over this decision to keep London commuter lines in control of train operating companies.

Mr Khan argued: "If I can freeze TfL fares, why can't the government make the private companies do the same?"

Mayor's message to commuters during Southern rail strikes this winter

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TUC (Trades Union Congress) general secretary, Frances O’Grady, said: "Years of failed privatisation have left us with sky-high ticket prices, overcrowded trains, understaffed services and out-of-date infrastructure.

"Private train companies are milking the system, and the government is letting them get away with it."

The UK has the most expensive railway system in Europe, with workers on average salaries spending 14% of their income on a monthly season ticket.

How much do UK rail fares cost compared to cost of living since 1995?

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