London Transport to get more expensive next year

Travellers will have to brace themselves for fare rises on London’s transport system next year. The announcement came from Mayor Boris Johnson, who said bus fares would rise along with London Tube fares.

The mayor said London Tube fares were going to rise by an average of 3.9%, and a 12.7% rise is expected on bus fares for the capital city. Boris Johnson also announced that congestion charges would rise by £1 for travellers willing to pay by the new automated system to be introduced. People who chose to pay with the current methods will see a £2 rise, taking their congestion charge to £10.

The announced rise for London transport strikes a vivid contrast with fares on the national mainline rail, where season ticket holders will actually see their fares drop in January. When asked why such a discrepancy would exist, Mayor Johnson said national rail fares were only being artificially lowered for election purposes, and that he expected these to rise after the elections are held.

Mayor Johnson says it has not been an announcement he has enjoyed making, and assured Londoners that he has not taken this decision lightly. He appealed to Londoners to accept this difficult decision, to ensure that investment in the city’s future is adequately safeguarded.

Mahor Johnson insisted that a small rise in fares was the need of the hour, in order to avoid massive rises in the future years.