Campaign group calls on GLA to make public transport free across capital

A group campaigning for universal free travel in the capital has reported a “positive” first meeting with the Greater London Authority (GLA).

A delegation from Fare Free London met Claire Hamilton, Head of Transport at the GLA, and called for a commission about free public transport in London to be set up.

The commission would assess the feasibility of free public transport in London, identify barriers to its implementation, and issue a report explaining how it could be achieved, said the group.

It pointed out that London already provides free transport for over-60s, under-10s and many teenagers, and other discounts. “Extending these schemes, using the Oyster card, would present few practical problem,” said the group.

“There is a precedent for this in providing other public goods for free at the point of use, such as roads, parks and healthcare.

“We welcomed the Mayor’s commitment last year to free meals for primary school children. Similar principles of free provision should apply to transport too. Free public transport is a rational political choice for social justice and climate reasons.”

Claire Hamilton told the group she would report back on the meeting to Seb Dance, the Deputy Mayor for Transport.

LTT asked the Mayor of London’s Office if Seb Dance is willing to meet with Fare Free London. A spokesperson responded: “The Mayor is continually looking into new innovative ways to keep London transport as affordable as possible.”

Pearl Ahrens, a member of the delegation, said the group hoped that London Mayor Sadiq Khan and other political leaders in the capital will “embrace the principle of free public transport, even if the means of implementation are not yet clear”.

She said: “The meeting was a positive start to a discussion. We agreed on the need to continue the dialogue.

“We know that making public transport free means a wholesale shift in the way it is funded. Ultimately, this would be a decision not only for the GLA but also for the UK Government. So, we need to build up some serious political pressure.

“In our first year, we have won the support of trade unions representing tens of thousands of people, including those who work for Transport for London. Now we need to go further.”

Fare Free London said it brings together community groups, trade unions, environmentalists and others.

Public transport is already free in many smaller cities, including Luxemburg, Tallinn in Estonia, Montpellier and Dunkerque in France and Albuquerque and Kansas City in the United States. “London can be the first big global city to follow their example,” said the group.

Revenue from fares comprises a much higher share of income for Transport for London (TfL) than for most big-city transport systems, the group notes. “TfL also receives revenue from business rates retention, other operating income e.g. the congestion charge, and central government grants.

“TfL policy is to reduce the share of revenue from fares. We agree with this, but call for a much more ambitious reduction, with a target of zero.”

There is a wide range of options for funding free public transport including revenue raised by local government, including land value capture (such as the Community Infrastructure Levy used to fund the Elizabeth Line); and a “smart” road user charge and parking charges, according to the group.

The Government could also raise revenue from increased fuel duty to restore value lost during the 13-year freeze, the group added.

 https://www.farefreelondon.org/