SWR fare restructuring - some massive price rises?

[whole diary]

[grahame]

Major fare changes come in January, but there are also adjustments in May and September.

From my inbox.

South Western Railway have increased my Train Fare by 57% from £55.70 to £87.90. They've done this by removing the First Class Off Peak Day Return replacing it with an Anytime Open Return. That came as a shock and a bitter surprise.

I have said I will ask for experts view - fare is Trowbridge to Cobham and Stoke D'abernon (TRO^▸ (Trowbridge stationnext trains) - CSD^▸ (Carriage Servicing Depot)) but I'm pretty sure that's not the only journey affected.

Can anyone confirm ...
a) My understanding is that SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) can do this as it's not a regulated fare
and
b) My understanding is that SWR are under emergency measures, so this will have required approval from the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about).

I think it's to do with the ticket restructuring that SWR are doing for Off Peak Fares.

There seems to have been zero communication on this. Nothing on their website. Also the brief explains that some fares would increase under this new structure but the brief implies the increase is marginal (around 50p) and certainly not an increase over £30

[Clan Line]

I have noticed similar (or larger) hikes on my "usual" tickets; WMN^» (Warminster - next trains) to WAT.  1st Adv ret was usually available for around £28; on the 0948 up, 1920 back.  Now £24.55 up, £27.90 back.
Cheapest now appears to be SOPDR at £42.90.

I can't see SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) getting much more business from me at those sort of prices !  I lost £56 when the event we were going to in London back in March was cancelled 2 days before they started giving refunds on Advance tickets !!   

Good job petrol is at 99.7p at Morrisons.