Threat to cheap fares

Overall, passenger numbers are up 13 per cent on these lines, but receipts are down six per cent.

Without the backing of major local employers and the district and county councils, Mr Baker warns that the future of the scheme is uncertain.

The weekly ticket between Eastbourne and Lewes was cut from 23.20 to 15, and the weekly ticket between Seaford and Lewes from 15 to just 10.

The fare experiment is set to continue with only a 1 increase in the price of tickets from Eastbourne.

Warmly welcoming the success of the scheme in getting people out of their cars and on to the rails, Mr Baker said: 'SouthCentral trains are to be applauded for cutting fares.

'The hike in the number of season tickets is a sign that the scheme is working well in getting people out of their cars.

'The environment stands to benefit further from the continuation of the scheme.

'But the company is sustaining a small loss despite a sizeable increase in passenger numbers.

'Without support from major employers in the area and the district and county councils, the future of the fare cuts is uncertain.

'I urge those companies and local authorities to promote this scheme and consider giving incentives for their staff to use the ticket deal. A drop in the number of receipts needs to be reversed to sustain the fare cuts.'

A county council spokesman said: 'The council is committed to reducing road congestion and already encourages its staff, whenever possible, to use all forms of public transport for both private and business travel.

'All initiatives that help to reduce pollution and protect the environment are welcomed and we fully support the reduction of fares introduced by SouthCentral Trains.

'We will continue to promote this initiative to our staff .'