Mayor announces freeze on fares

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, has announced a real terms fares freeze on Transport for London (TfL) services in the capital.

As of 2 January 2016, fares on TfL services are set to rise by one per cent, in line with the July Retail Price Index (RPI). However, a number of fares, including single bus fares and all but two pay as you go single Tube fares, will be frozen. Travelcard season tickets will increase by slightly less than one per cent.

The 2016 proposals will see pay as you go single bus fares frozen at £1.50 while the one day bus cap will increase by 10p to £4.50, the same as the cost of three single fares. The overall increase in bus fares will be 0.8 per cent. On the Tube, London Overground, the DLR and TfL Rail, pay as you go single fares in Zones 1-6 will be frozen, with the exception of Zone 1 only and Zone 1-2 off-peak fares, which will increase from £2.30 to £2.40. The revised changes to fares, proposed for the third year in a row, is expected to raise £43m a year for TfL.

Johnson, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to yet again freeze overall fares in real terms for our passengers. It’s the third year in a row that we’ve been able to offer this great deal, allowing us to keep the cost of travel down while continuing our vital programme to modernise the network.”

Johnson also announced an extension of free travel for children, aged under 11 years old, to National Rail services in the capital. Currently, those under the age of 11 travel for free on TfL’s buses and trams, and on the Tube, DLR, London Overground and TfL Rail services when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

However, from 2 January, all National Rail services in London will be free for Zip photocard holders who are under 11 years old after TfL agreed to cover the cost.

He commented: “Hundreds of thousands of families will also benefit now that we’ve struck a deal to extend free travel for under 11s across all rail services in London. By securing this deal on National Rail services, we are taking away the fares confusion for so many and opening up wider travel in the capital for families to enjoy.”

Jon-Rhys Foster, Chair at the British Youth Council said: “With the cost of living continuing to affect families, we are delighted with the news that National Rail travel, throughout the Capital, will now be free for under-11 Zip photocard holders. The scheme will help young people to travel and give a much needed boost for our national campaign to increase youth access to concessionary travel across the country.”

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