RAIL passengers face fare increases after a new train operator was awarded the franchise for services across Kent.

Next April, train operator Govia will take over the South Eastern Trains franchise, which serves passengers in and between Gravesend and Dartford, for eight years.

Fares for the service will rise by three per cent above inflation from January 2007 to help pay for investments, including a £250m fleet of new high-speed trains.

The firm is promising to invest £76m in passenger and staff facilities and build new depots in Ashford and Ramsgate.

Govia will begin high-speed commuter services into St Pancras station from 2009 on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.