The government should rule out using peak-time train fare rises to manage passenger numbers, MPs have said.

BBC: Higher peak-time rail fares opposed

The government's transport spokesman in the House of Lords has told peers he could not afford to buy the train fare from London to Birmingham.

BBC: Transport peer 'could not afford' same-day rail fare

On its website, Virgin Trains warns travellers they will be charged an excess or penalty fare if they board a train without a ticket or attempt to change from standard to first class without a first class ticket.

BBC: George Osborne

The officers are common fixtures on the new rail line, which opened last year, and walk through the train cars, issuing tickets for passengers who haven't paid their fare.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

My point is this: I'm not saying having a Twitter feed instantly makes you a decent train company - it certainly won't get rid of complaints about fare increases and cramped conditions - but it does at least indicate you are trying to engage with your customers.

BBC: Does social media work for train companies?

Once on the train, the manager told the officer Mr Osborne would have to pay an upgrade fare, a request which Mr Osborne's aide initially refused, according to Virgin Trains.

BBC: George Osborne

The great dane, who frequently followed sailors on the train during the 1940s, earned the honour after railway officials threatened to put him down if his fare was not paid.

BBC: Easy breaks from Cape Town

If you go home regularly on the train after 7pm it will save you a considerable amount of money if you get a peak-fare carnet for the morning and an off-peak one for the evening.

BBC: More ways to save money on train fares