London's Deputy Mayor Confirms Phasing Out of Day Travelcards.
In a move that will affect millions of travelers, the Deputy Mayor of London, Seb Dance, has confirmed that day paper travelcards will no longer be issued under new plans.
This means that day tickets will no longer be sold or accepted on Transport for London (TfL) services, including the Tube, bus, rail, tram, and London Overground.
The decision was made due to the financial strain on TfL, with the £40m Travelcard Agreement proving to be unaffordable for the organization.
This agreement represents a subsidy by Londoners, and TfL can no longer afford to fund it.
Passengers traveling from outside the capital will be expected to use contactless or Oyster cards upon arrival.
The move follows a significant increase in the use of day travelcards, with 12 million sold last year, double the number in
Covid-hit 2020, but down from 27 million in 2018.
Weekly and annual travelcards will still be issued, but the number of these sold last year was significantly lower.
In 2018, 185,000 annual travelcards were sold, compared to just 20,000 in 2021.
The changes, which will see the end of paper travelcards altogether, have been set out in a consultation document.
It has also been stated that rail operators will stop selling Zone 1-6 travelcards if TfL ceases to accept day travelcards.
Child day travelcards will no longer be available, meaning those outside of London will have to apply for a Zipcard, which provides free and discounted travel for those aged under 18, in advance of coming to the capital.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London stated that the Mayor is only considering the withdrawal of day travelcards in order to meet the requirements of TfL's funding settlement with government, a deal that was required solely because of the impact of the pandemic.
However, the spokesperson added that the Mayor feels that he has been left with no viable alternative.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said that the government has provided TfL with more than