Transport for London (TfL), train operators and the government have reached a deal to keep day travelcards in circulation. The travelcards provide unlimited travel for public transport passengers in zones 1-6 of London, including bus, rail, London Overground and Tube services. Although TfL had initially argued that the travelcard agreement cost them approximately £40m annually, they will now receive a “fairer share of ticket revenue”, according to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. Last year, 12 million day travelcards were sold, however this was a significant drop from the 27 million in 2018.
The current cost of the daily travelcard is £15.20, but there will be a one-off 3% increase on them on top of the annual fare rise commencing from the 24th of March. The new deal allows TfL to continue providing day travelcards, while also assisting them in making the £600m in savings required as part of the government financial aid negotiated during the pandemic. The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) was involved on behalf of train operators during the negotiations.
Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, stated that the travelcard agreement emerged from a “government intervention”. He went on to add that over the past three years, the government has given TfL £6bn. Campaign for Better Transport representative Norman Baker noted that the decision will bring relief to those using day travelcards to travel into the capital. Pleased with the result, he called it a great decision for sustainable transport and the people who use it.
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