Political opinion: Alison Bennett MP calls for rail fare freeze as annual season ticket set to increase by £392
Alison Bennett, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Sussex, has called for a rail fare freeze as ticket prices look set to increase again next year.
Commuters in Mid Sussex face the prospect of paying an additional £392 a year for their season tickets, after new figures revealed rail fares could rise by 5.8% in 2026-27.
The increase, based on July’s Retail Price Index (RPI), would push the cost of an annual season ticket between Haywards Heath and London Bridge to £7,160 if the Government chooses to follow its existing fare policy.
The announcement has sparked strong criticism from local MP Alison Bennett, who is calling for a freeze on rail fares.
“With cancellations on the rise and many families struggling with the cost of living, it’s unfair to ask commuters to pay more while getting less in return,” said Alison, the Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Sussex. “Now isn’t the right time to raise rail fares."
“The problems that started under the Conservatives haven’t improved under Labour, and commuters still aren’t getting the service they deserve. Increasing fares also risks putting people off using trains altogether, which would hurt passengers, revenue and the environment. All at a time we should be doing everything to incentivise less carbon-intensive forms of travel.”
The Liberal Democrats argue that freezing fares would help ease the pressure on households while encouraging more sustainable travel. They have urged the Government to prioritise reliability and affordability for rail passengers across Sussex and beyond.