I was incredibly angry – as were many of you - to learn last week (without any advanced warning) that a new pricing structure for mid-week off-peak tickets was coming into effect. Indeed, on the day I was told, advance tickets from 4th December onwards were already showing the new fare.
I appreciate that people travelling into London during the rush hour, and returning before 4pm will see a significant price cut. Also, those purchasing buying day travelcards are not affected, nor are those travelling at any time during the weekends.
However, residents who used to travelling on the fast trains to London from Sevenoaks station on the 9.18 and 9.27 at off peak prices (and two slower trains stopping also at other local stations) are now having to purchase a one-day travelcard to obtain an off-peak fare – even if they do not wish to use the underground or bus. This also applied to anyone returning on a train from a London Zone between 4pm and 7pm.
This means an increase in price from £15.20 to £19.80 and is unacceptable. I have raised this with both SouthEastern and the Department for Transport and am seeking an urgent solution, and will keep you all updated.
Since my election I have worked hard to improve the transport infrastructure locally, however such a sharp increase in fares simply acts as a deterrent to using the rail network – and punishes those who much travel for work or to see friends and family.
