A train operator, which withdrew an off-peak fare, has now introduced a local residents’ discount.

Residents using the Stansted Express train to travel from Stansted Airport to London Liverpool Street will have their current train fares slashed by a third thanks to the new discount.

The original off-peak return fare was £17.80 and when this was withdrawn in May, commuters found themselves paying £28.80.

National Express realised not all customers were using this route to travel to the airport for flights and the peak period was less defined, which is why they have introduced a 34 per cent discount for Stansted area residents.

This has brought the fare to £19.

To obtain the discount, passengers need to produce proof of address, such as a utility bill, at the ticket office.

Residents with railcards can obtain a further 34 per cent discount, reducing the fare to £12.55.

For several months Sir Alan, MP for the Saffron Walden constituency, has lobbied National Express East Anglia for a local residents’ discount.