Tube and rail fares to rise in London next year by inflation-busting amount
TUBE and rail fares in London are set to rise by 4.6% from next year, Sadiq Khan has confirmed.
Ticket prices across the nation’s capital will be hiked from March 2 in line with national rail fare increases.
The government confirmed in Budget documents in October train fares will be hiked by the same percentage in months.
Both rises are one percentage point above July’s Retail Price Index (RPI) measure of inflation.
The RPI is a measure of inflation that’s published monthly and is used to measure the change in the cost of retail goods and services.
Bus and tram fares in London will be frozen at £1.75 for unlimited journeys within an hour.
However, the train and tube price hikes will heap more misery on commuters who cannot drive or walk to work.
It means a day of travel across London costing £10 now will go up to £10.48.
Commuters looking to find out how much tube and train fares currently cost can visit www.tfl.gov.uk/fares.
Sadiq Khan said: “Following the Government’s budget, ministers made clear that to secure national funding for key transport projects in the future, TfL Tube and rail fares would need to increase in line with national rail fares.
“Vital national government funding will allow us to progress exciting future projects, such as Superloop 2 and more upgrades to the Tube network, as we continue building a fairer, safer and greener London for everyone.”
If you’re worried about the upcoming rises, here are all the ways you can cut costs.
1. Buy season tickets now
If you’re travelling regularly, season tickets can save you cash compared to buying for a journey each day.
For example, a seven-day season ticket is likely to work out cheaper if you do the same journey on three or more days each week – but this can often be difficult to work out.
National Rail has a handy season ticket calculator on its website which can help you check if it’s worth it.
2. Make the most of capping
Capping limits the amount you pay to travel in a day or week and once you reach the limit, any additional journeys are free.
If you’re someone who needs to use the tube and train a lot to get to work or in your day-to-day life, it’s worth maximising your usage.
3. Take advantage of free or discounted travel
Children under five travel free with a fee paying adult on TFL services while those aged five to 10 get free travel if they have an Oyster card.
Over 60s can also get an Oyster card and get free travel on TFL tubes and most National Rail services in London too.
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