18.11.16
Khan confirms TfL fares set for four-year freeze
London mayor Sadiq Khan has today confirmed that fares on all TfL services will remain frozen until 2020, formally fulfilling one of his major transport pledges made during this year’s mayoral election campaigns.
Pay-as-you-go fares on the Underground, TfL Rail, the DLR, buses and the Emirates Air Line cable car are all set to stay the same until the end of this Parliament, as well as Boris bike hire charges.
But Khan reiterated his call for the DfT to follow suit and freeze all fares on London’s suburban rail routes, which fall outside the TfL’s scope and would therefore be subject to inflation adjustments – although reform plans are in place to change this. Travelcards and the associated daily and weekly caps will also be subjected to inflation.
“Before taking office I was determined to ensure we took significant action to make public transport more affordable and we’ve already taken major steps through the introduction of the Hopper ticket,” said the mayor.
“Our TfL fares freeze will save an average household £200 over the next four years, putting money back into people’s pockets and playing an important role encouraging more Londoners on to public transport.”
But he also noted that passengers on suburban rail routes have been hit by unacceptable delays, particularly across Southern services, which Khan still argues TfL should be allowed to take over – despite the transport secretary’s dismissal of the offer.
“It’s simply not right that London’s rail passengers face another fares hikes caused by the government next year – the onus is on the government to ensure every passenger in London gets the fares freeze they deserve,” he added.
TfL’s transport commissioner Mike Brown supported the fare freeze, arguing that the move will help make the capital’s network more affordable for residents.
“Our efficiency programme allows us to deliver this while still providing the transport services London needs and also continuing to invest for future demand and growth,” Brown concluded.
(Image c. John Stillwell from PA Wire)
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