Boris announces fare increases for 2010
Transport for All
Boris Johnson has today announced increases in bus and tube fares...
Boris Johnson has today announced increases in bus and tube fares to begin in 2010.
The Congestion Charge also looks set to rise from £8 to £10 per day. Bus fares will rise by 12.7 per cent and Tube fares by 3.9 per cent.
The Mayor claims he had protected free and concessionary fares for London’s elderly, disabled people, young people and those on low incomes. 40% of bus passengers will continue to travel free or at a substantial concessionary rate and the Freedom Pass will continue to be valid for travel 24hrs a day on all TfL services. However, the increases will of course affect carers who are not entitled to free or reduced rate travel.
• Oyster pay as you go bus fare from £1.00 to £1.20;
• A seven day bus pass from £13.80 to £16.60;
• On the Tube, the Zone 1 Oyster pay as you go fare from £1.60 to £1.80;
• Most other Oyster pay as you go fares on Tube also increase by 20p, with larger increases in some longer distance peak fares.
Steve Hart, Unite regional secretary, said: “This is an outrageous assault on hard-working Londoners. When inflation is falling, these fare increases will mean a fall in living standards for public transport users. Fares should be frozen in the midst of this unprecedented recession.
“This represents the end to the low fare policy in London which has reduced congestion, increased bus usage by 6 per cent a year and met climate change objectives.
“These fare rises will only increase congestion where more and more people will take to cars to avoid paying such extortionate fares on London’s public transport.
“Freezing these rises is of major importance for our city, our quality of life, for climate change and social inclusion. Boris Johnson has also said he will end the western extension congestion charge and has cancelled the £25 gas guzzler charge. He also opposes the 50p tax on the highest earners. The mayor wants to support the super-rich and leave the vulnerable to struggle.
