January Train Fare Hike

Rail operator Southern has this month raised rail fares by an average of 4.8%, while neighbouring train operator South Eastern, which provides services on the Hastings to London line via Tonbridge, has increased its fares by an inflation-busting 6.8%.

The cheap off-peak Pricebuster ticket to London has increased by 50p for the second year in a row and now costs 13.50.

However, the popular Daysave ticket, which is only available over the internet or from the Tourist Information Centres in Hastings and Eastbourne, remains just 10 per person, or 20 for a group of four.

BRAG Secretary Dick Tyler said: "Our fares guide has some good tips about how to get the cheapest tickets.

"For non-railcard holders, this generally involves buying tickets in advance and/or travelling in a group.

"Nonetheless, it is unfortunate that at a time when the government is telling us we should travel by train rather than use our cars, rail travel on local journeys should still be getting so much more expensive. A return ticket to Eastbourne is now nearly 5, and all this at a time when the cost of petrol is at a record high."

A free electronic copy of the new guide can be obtained by emailing [email protected]

The next meeting of Bexhill Rail Action Group will take place at Hastings Direct in Collington Avenue on Monday January 14, at 7.30pm.

For further information about Bexhill Rail Action Group visit www.bexhillrailaction.co.uk