Rail fares set for eye-watering increase

James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat MP for the Lewes constituency, has called for a rail fare freeze as ticket prices look set to increase again next year. 

This means commuters between Seaford and London Victoria face an eye-watering increase of £361.69, making the overall cost £6,597.69. Commuters between Lewes and London Victoria will face an increase of £329.44 per year, making their overall cost £6,009.44. 

New figures released on 20th August indicate that regulated rail fares are set to rise 5.8% in 2026-27 should the government choose to follow existing policy and increase fares in line with July’s Retail Price Index (RPI). 

The Liberal Democrats are calling for rail fares to be frozen.

James has already raised this in Parliament; in February 2025 tabling Early Day Motion 810 to oppose rail fare hikes and highlight the poor service facing commuters in his constituency. He’s also pushed hard for newer trains on the Seaford–Brighton line, a London Bridge service stopping at all local stations, and the return of daily direct trains from Seaford to London.

Commenting on the rail fare rise, James said:  “At a time of rising cancellations and in the midst of a cost of living crisis, commuters shouldn’t be expected to fork out more and receive less. Increasing rail fares now would be nothing other than a slap in the face to ordinary people right here in Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven, Polegate and local villages.

“What started out as chaos under the Conservatives has moved on to more complacency under Labour. Commuters deserve better than just the same raw deal given under new management. Raising fares is a false economy that will only drive down passengers and revenue in the long run.

“The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to do more to get more people onto trains, to freeze rail fares and to give commuters in Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven, Polegate and local villages a reliable service and fair deal.”