Transport for London (TfL) has been advised that free public transport is essential for addressing inequality and reducing the number of polluting vehicles on the streets of London.
The Tube system in the capital is already recognized as the most costly among major cities worldwide, with ticket prices set to increase above the rate of inflation until 2030.
This situation has raised alarms that many London residents might be deterred from using the Tube due to escalating expenses, which could lead to a higher influx of cars on the roads.
TfL has stated that passenger fares primarily fund its operations, unlike in several other nations where central governments provide significantly larger subsidies.
Eliminating passenger fares altogether would necessitate finding billions of pounds from alternative sources.
For the fiscal year 2023-24, TfL generated £5.24 billion from fares, and projections for 2025-26 suggest an increase to £5.7 billion.
Additionally, TfL earned £1.6 billion from advertising, the ULEZ program, and received £2.7 billion in government grants for 2024-25.
The fare for a single Tube journey in London ranges from £2.50 to £3.80, depending on the travel zone and whether it’s peak or off-peak time.
Fare caps are set at £8.90 for a single day in zone 1 and £16.30 for travel across zones 1 to 6, with a weekly limit of £81.60 for zones 1 to 6.
No cash payments are accepted on London buses or trams, where fares begin at £1.75 and are capped at £5.25 daily for adults.
Earlier this month, the House of Commons Transport Committee suggested offering free bus passes to all individuals under 22 across England to help facilitate access to work and educational opportunities.
Advocates, including Fare Free London, are calling on regional and national authorities to broaden this initiative to encompass all ages and types of public transportation.
The organization argues for a comprehensive overhaul of TfL, citing successful examples from capital cities like Tallinn in Estonia and Belgrade in Serbia.
Simon Pirani, a member of the Fare Free London organizing team, emphasized that free public transport in London would bolster the economy, minimize inequality, reduce social isolation, and lead to decreased car use.
He remarked, “The high fare structure in London is affecting people of all ages, hindering their ability to travel for work or social purposes.”
“We must fundamentally re-evaluate how the transport system is financed.”
While London boasts a more efficient transport network than other UK cities, its costs remain prohibitively high.
Discounted public transport is available to specific groups, including seniors over 60, children under 18, students, individuals with disabilities, and jobseekers.
A TfL spokesperson indicated, “The mayor will outline future fare decisions, but the government has made it clear that the funding in the current settlement is based on the expectation that overall TfL fares will increase by RPI+1% annually throughout the settlement period.”
