London Tube and bus fares skyrocket
London Tube and bus fares rise dramatically
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By Matthew Champion. |  |
Thursday, 15, Oct 2009 05:00
By Richard James.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced Tube fares will rise by 3.9 per cent and bus fares by 12.7 per cent from January.
The increases will see a weekly bus pass rise from £13.80 to £16.60, while a zone one Oyster pay-as-you-go Tube fare will go up from £1.60 to £1.80.
Mr Johnson blamed the previous administration in City Hall, the current economic climate and the collapse of Metronet for the price hike.
"Nobody wants to make an announcement like this, especially when Londoners are feeling the effects of the recession," he said.
The new prices were required to ensure vital improvements to London's transport system continue to be delivered and front line services protected in the face of "huge financial pressures" on Transport for London (TfL), the Mayor of London's office said.
Mr Johnson announced he would be protecting free and concessionary fares for London's elderly and young.
"The crucial thing is that we safeguard the investment in our city's future and that's why I'm asking Londoners to accept this difficult decision," he said.
"With this package we can protect the elderly, the young, the poorest and disabled Londoners, and can go forward to deliver the vital improvements that Londoners deserve - including Crossrail, the upgrade of eight Tube lines, new trains, the cycling revolution, and a host of other improvements ahead of the 2012 Games."
Tube and TfL union RMT, however, slammed today's "dire" news.
The union's general secretary, Bob Crow, said: "RMT firmly believes that any increase in fares above inflation will be damaging and will drive passengers away from the system deepening the financial crisis at TFL.
"The shocking increases confirmed today will have a dire impact on passenger numbers, will force more people back into their cars and make a mockery of the green agenda promoted by the Mayor of London."