Already travelling in overcrowded trains which regularly run late, commuters are facing massive fare increases over the next three years.

This is the same rail line which last week was identified as having the highest levels of crime and abuse on the CityRail network.

The latest round of draft fare rises is sure to outrage Illawarra commuters.

The proposed fare increases directly discriminate against those workers who have to travel the furthest, with those in the Illawarra, Blue Mountains and Central Coast bearing the brunt.

They are also the commuters who will receive minimal benefit from fare decreases for off-peak travel. Very few workers could make the 7am cut-off at Central Station.

Even the Transport Minister David Campbell, whose Keira electorate will cop the increases, has expressed concern about the long-distance fare rises and has asked that the draft report be reviewed.

Illawarra commuters should not be forced to pay even a dollar more until they receive the reliable, comfortable, safe service they deserve.

At a time when people should be encouraged to use public transport, they are instead being penalised.