London Tube and Bus Fares Frozen Until 2025: A Welcome Boost for Commuters by Sadiq Khan
London Mayor Sadiq Khan announces a fare freeze for the Tube and bus services until 2025, aiding commuters amidst the cost-of-living crisis.
Pay-as-you-go fares, which make up the majority of public transport journeys, will not increase until March next year, despite expectations to rise in line with a 4.9% increase in national rail fares.
London bus fares will stay at £1.75, and a peak single Tube fare for zones 1-3 at £3.70, with off-peak and weekend fares unchanged as well.
While most pay-as-you-go journeys on the Elizabeth line and London Overground won't see a price hike, Travelcard prices will go up by 4.6% to 5.1%.
A peak zones 1-4 Travelcard, for instance, will cost £15.90, up from £15.20. The Day Travelcard for passengers outside London will see a 3% increase to prevent its discontinuation.
Fare caps for frequent travelers also rise by 4.1% to 5.1%, meaning some could pay more overall. Zones 1-2 daily cap will increase from £8.10 to £8.50, as an example.
Additionally, Khan plans to raise the penalty for fare evasion from £80 to £100 to discourage non-payment and recoup losses, which amount to around £130m annually for Transport for London (TfL).
The decision to freeze fares is funded by £123m from the city's budget, part of a £512m "windfall" from business rates and reserves. The move aims to alleviate living costs, boost public transport usage, and benefit London's economy.
Khan, who also committed to another year of free school meals for London's primary children if re-elected in May, will simultaneously impose an 8.6% increase in council tax, adding £37 to typical household bills.
Critics like Tory rival Susan Hall argue that the freeze is a ploy to gain votes at the cost of higher council taxes and ULEZ charges. Khan's previous fare freeze from 2016-2020 cost TfL an estimated £640m in revenue.
Despite facing over £6bn in government bailouts during the pandemic, TfL has seen a turnaround and is projected to achieve its first "operating profit" of about £144m by March. However, its debt is expected to increase significantly.
Political opponents accuse Khan of vote-buying with the fare freeze, but supporters like Zoë Garbett of the Green Party and Rob Blackie of the Lib Dems see the need for more affordable public transport. Business and transport advocacy groups emphasize the importance of such measures for city life and the environment.
London bus fares will stay at £1.75, and a peak single Tube fare for zones 1-3 at £3.70, with off-peak and weekend fares unchanged as well.
While most pay-as-you-go journeys on the Elizabeth line and London Overground won't see a price hike, Travelcard prices will go up by 4.6% to 5.1%.
A peak zones 1-4 Travelcard, for instance, will cost £15.90, up from £15.20. The Day Travelcard for passengers outside London will see a 3% increase to prevent its discontinuation.
Fare caps for frequent travelers also rise by 4.1% to 5.1%, meaning some could pay more overall. Zones 1-2 daily cap will increase from £8.10 to £8.50, as an example.
Additionally, Khan plans to raise the penalty for fare evasion from £80 to £100 to discourage non-payment and recoup losses, which amount to around £130m annually for Transport for London (TfL).
The decision to freeze fares is funded by £123m from the city's budget, part of a £512m "windfall" from business rates and reserves. The move aims to alleviate living costs, boost public transport usage, and benefit London's economy.
Khan, who also committed to another year of free school meals for London's primary children if re-elected in May, will simultaneously impose an 8.6% increase in council tax, adding £37 to typical household bills.
Critics like Tory rival Susan Hall argue that the freeze is a ploy to gain votes at the cost of higher council taxes and ULEZ charges. Khan's previous fare freeze from 2016-2020 cost TfL an estimated £640m in revenue.
Despite facing over £6bn in government bailouts during the pandemic, TfL has seen a turnaround and is projected to achieve its first "operating profit" of about £144m by March. However, its debt is expected to increase significantly.
Political opponents accuse Khan of vote-buying with the fare freeze, but supporters like Zoë Garbett of the Green Party and Rob Blackie of the Lib Dems see the need for more affordable public transport. Business and transport advocacy groups emphasize the importance of such measures for city life and the environment.
