Campaigners are demanding London scraps all public transport fares, arguing free travel would slash household costs, cut traffic congestion, and clean up the capital's air quality.
The 'Free Our Buses' campaign leads a coalition of academics and activists pushing for the radical overhaul. They say current fares hit low-income families hardest and claim eliminating charges would trigger a mass shift from private cars to buses and trains.
The campaigners have proposed three funding options to replace lost revenue: hiking council tax, introducing a tourist tax, or charging businesses for workplace parking spaces. They insist these measures could plug the financial gap without compromising services.
Transport for London collected around £5 billion in fares during 2022/23, highlighting the enormous financial challenge. Mayor Sadiq Khan has acknowledged the environmental and social appeal of free transport but repeatedly cited the "considerable financial obstacles" standing in the way.
Several European cities have trialled fare-free schemes, though typically on smaller networks or limited services. London's vast system of Tube lines, buses, and rail services presents a far more complex challenge requiring substantial political commitment and watertight funding plans.
Critics warn free travel could trigger overcrowding without extra capacity, whilst questioning whether non-users should fund the system through general taxation. But campaigners maintain the long-term benefits would justify the costs, positioning London as a world leader in sustainable urban transport.