I’ll end fares freeze if re-elected – Khan

Sadiq Khan has said he will end the capital’s partial public transport fares freeze if re-elected mayor for a second term. Khan made the announcement before the Government’s decision last week to postpone the mayoral election by a year, until May 2021, because of the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The freeze applies only to single fares, with Travelcard and Oyster caps being set nationally. Ben Rogers, director of the Centre for London, welcomed Khan’s announcement. “Abandoning the partial fares freeze is a welcome move. The freeze on Tube travel has disadvantaged regular travellers and commuters while benefiting less regular travellers and visitors.” Rogers said the current fares freeze was estimated to cost Transport for London around £640m over his four-year term. The postponement of the election appears likely to add to TfL’s financial problems. Its business plan for 2020/21-2024/25 is based on the assumption that, from January 2021, fares will rise by around the retail price index plus one per cent.