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Rail fare campaigners are targeting 50 parliamentary seats where commuters could swing results in the next general election.

Critics of inflation-busting fare rises have identified 20 Tory MPs defending majorities that are smaller than the local population of season ticket holders.

They include former rail minister Simon Burns, the MP for Chelmsford, who has a majority of 5,110. Chelmsford station sees 2,387,469 journeys by season ticket holders each year — equivalent to about 9,437 commuters. Others include London Conservative MPs Angie Bray, Gavin Barwell, Mary Macleod and Nick de Bois.

Four Liberal Democrat MPs could be in danger as they also represent constituencies with enough commuters to overturn their majorities. They include former health minister Paul Burstow, whose majority is 1,608 in a seat with about 8,455 commuters.

The list of 50 seats was drawn up by the Campaign for Better Transport, which called on all the parties to give firm pledges to end huge fare increases or face a backlash at the ballot box.

“For a decade, successive governments have hit rail commuters with inflation-busting fares rises,” said chief executive Stephen Joseph. “This has put a serious squeeze on living standards for many hard-working families, including a large number in marginal constituencies.

“At the next election, they’ll have a keen eye on whether any party finally intends to help them.”

Some commuters have seen their fares double recently after several years of rises of nine, 10 or even 11 per cent. Kent passengers have been particularly hard hit.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced a “cap” on the biggest rises next year. However, increases of up to 6.2 per cent will be allowed on commuter routes, which is more than twice the level of inflation, which stands at 2.7 per cent.

The Evening Standard revealed that some other fares would be pushed up to help pay for the cap. Transport minister Stephen Hammond admits he does not know how many will benefit from the cap — but it will only be a minority.