Harry Rosehill

Sadiq Announces 2019 Fare Freeze, But Is It Really A Fare Freeze?

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Sadiq Khan has announced for the third year in a row a fare freeze on TfL services. However, is it really a fare freeze?

Yes, it's true, weekly capping on Oyster and Contactless remains the same as it has been since 2016. However people who have monthly or annual travelcards will once again see their fares rise 3.1%. That means an annual zone 1-2 travelcard that currently costs £1,364, will cost roughly £1,406 next year.

The Mayor will point to the fact that travelcard and associated caps are set in agreement with the train operating companies under fares regulations set by the government. So it's out of his control to stop the 3.1% travelcard fare rise. Still, we'd like to see more of an effort to tackle these rising fares that blights regular London commuters each year.

According to the Mayor's press office, by 2020 the fare freeze will have saved the average London household £200 — and TfL fares increased more 42% in the eight years before Khan became mayor. His opponents claim that TfL's financially precarious situation is worsened by the fare freeze.