London commuters are set for a £0.10 price rise on bus and tram fares from November, marking the first hike in over a year. The move comes after Mayor Sadiq Khan's policy to freeze fares expired, leading Transport for London (TfL) to revisit its pricing strategy.
The increase will see single bus fares climb to £1.80, up from the current £1.70. A higher daily cap of 30p on bus and tram travel also applies, affecting passengers who use multiple services within a day.
TfL has faced significant financial challenges due to reduced passenger numbers and revenue since the pandemic, leading to this fare adjustment as part of efforts to ensure the network's long-term sustainability.
The previous fare freeze policy aimed to make public transport more affordable for Londoners. However, with rising operational costs and service maintenance requirements, TfL has had to reassess its pricing strategy.
For many residents, buses and trams are a vital mode of transportation, often seen as an affordable alternative to the Tube or national rail services. Although the 10p increase may seem minimal, it can still contribute to the cost of living pressures faced by households across London.