Rail firm cuts prices

A SOUTH Central initiative, proposed by Lewes MP Norman Baker and supported by Lewes District Council and East Sussex County Council, has resulted in dramatic cuts to many season ticket fares in the Lewes area from Sunday.

A SOUTH Central initiative, proposed by Lewes MP Norman Baker and supported by Lewes District Council and East Sussex County Council, has resulted in dramatic cuts to many season ticket fares in the Lewes area from Sunday.

For commuters travelling from stations between Seaford and Southease into Lewes, it will now cost 10 for a weekly season ticket - in some instances a 33 per cent reduction on the current cost.

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On the new season ticket fares from Eastbourne to Lewes, prices have been reduced from 23.20 to 15.

This 15 fare into Lewes will also be available to commuters from Berwick, Polegate, Hampden Park, Pevensey and Westham and Pevensey Bay.

The fares initiative also encompasses stations further along the coast to include Bexhill, Hastings and stations on to Ashford.

Encouragement

Many weekly season ticket fares into Lewes are reduced by up to 20 per cent and in the case of Bexhill to Lewes the reduction to 20 represents a third off the current price.

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David Franks, South Central managing director, said: 'We are committed to working with local communities to develop schemes that will encourage more people onto our services.

'But we recognise this can only be done in unison with a service that is reliable and meets our passengers' needs.'

The new fares will be available for six months and, if successful, will be extended.

Said Mr Baker: 'I have long believed that it is important to cut fares on the south coast in order to get people out of their cars and onto the trains.

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'I am delighted that South Central have responded enthusiastically.

'Anyone who sits in a traffic jam on the A27 while there is a cheap train fare available into Lewes really needs their head examined.'

County council transport cabinet member Cllr Tony Reid said: 'We will take an active part in promoting these lower fares to our own staff and to others who work in Lewes.'

District Council leader Cllr Ann De Vecchi said: 'There are thousands of people commuting into Lewes daily.

'I believe this initiative should help to reduce car travel into Lewes.'

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