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Early bird commuters would only have to pay half their usual fare to get to work under plans set out by the Lib Dems today.

All Londoners who began their journey before 7.30am on the Underground, DLR, Overground and TfL Rail services would benefit.

The proposal could save them as much as £5.90, half the usual pay-as-you-go Oyster fare, if they travelled into central London by Tube from zone six.

Lib Dem mayoral candidate Caroline Pidgeon said her plan, which TfL believes would cost £30 million, could help some of the capital’s lowest paid workers.

It could also ease cattle-truck conditions on some rush hour services when the majority of Londoners are trying to get to work.

The policy would initially be paid for by withdrawing Transport for London’s financial support for the Garden Bridge, although some of the cash has already been spent, as well as other savings.

The Lib Dems have also pledged to bring in a one-hour bus ticket, which would allow commuters to change buses as many times as needed within an hour while only paying a fare of £1.50. Rival candidates including Labour’s Sadiq Khan have subsequently adopted the idea.

Ms Pidgeon, a London Assembly member, said: “Half price fares on TfL’s Tube and rail services would really help some of London’s lowest paid workers who often have to work unsocial hours.

"This is a genuine fare cut that can be delivered immediately.

“Half price fares by 7.30am would also help tackle overcrowding by encouraging people to start their journeys earlier in the morning.

"Supporting those Londoners who get up early and make our city work is really important, providing real help with the cost of living in the capital.

“This is a win-win policy for Londoners”.