Mayor Sadiq Khan Freezes Bus and Tram Fares for Historic Sixth Year. He unveiled TfL fares package for 2025, with a freeze to bus and tram fares, keeping them one of the lowest in the UK, and helping to boost ridership across the city
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced a freeze on bus and tram fares for the sixth consecutive year, a historic decision that ensures Londoners will continue paying the same rates as they have since March 2023. This move keeps bus and tram fares among the lowest in the UK, boosting affordability and encouraging ridership across the capital’s extensive network.
The bus remains the most used form of public transport in the capital. Across London, bus ridership continues to grow, with more than 1 billion bus journeys made already this financial year. More than 95 per cent of Londoners live within 400 metres of a bus stop and the Mayor has worked hard to ensure buses remain the most accessible, affordable and sustainable form of transport.
The freeze is a significant boon for lower-income and disabled Londoners, who predominantly rely on these accessible and economical services. Bus ridership, a cornerstone of London’s public transport system, remains robust with over one billion journeys made this financial year alone. More than 95% of Londoners live within 400 meters of a bus stop, further cementing the importance of buses in the city’s transport ecosystem.
Key initiatives, such as the Hopper fare, continue to make travel affordable by offering unlimited bus and tram journeys within an hour for just £1.75. Since Mayor Khan’s first election in 2016, fares have increased by just 25p, a figure significantly lower than inflation rates over the same period.
However, the Mayor also confirmed that Tube and rail fares across London will rise by 4.6% starting March 2, 2025, in line with national rail fare increases. This decision follows the UK Government’s directive, tying fare hikes to continued funding for critical transport infrastructure projects, such as Superloop 2 and Tube upgrades.
While the increase affects Tube and rail users, TfL has worked to minimize the impact. Pay-as-you-go fares in Zone 1, for example, will rise by only 10p, and caps for daily travel across multiple zones will see proportional increases.
“Londoners know from my record that wherever possible I’ve made TfL fares more affordable and fairer,” said the mayor. “I’m really pleased to announce this sixth consecutive freeze on bus and tram fares, benefiting those on the lowest incomes.
“Following the Government’s budget, ministers made clear that to secure national funding for key transport projects, TfL Tube and rail fares would need to increase. This funding will allow us to progress exciting projects like Superloop 2, as we continue building a fairer, safer, and greener London.”
Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, reinforced the sentiment: “This fares package aims to keep fares as affordable as possible while supporting London’s economic growth. With daily and weekly capping, the Hopper fare, and our wide range of concessions, we’re ensuring customers get the best value.”
All existing concessions, including the Zip and 60+ London photocards, will remain in place, providing free or discounted travel to millions of Londoners.
The freeze on bus and tram fares will support lower-income and disabled Londoners, who are more likely to use bus and tram services, the most accessible way to get around London. With this dual approach—freezing bus and tram fares while modestly increasing Tube and rail fares—Mayor Khan aims to balance affordability, sustainability, and the need for future investment in London’s world-class transport network.
ALSO READ: UK to Play Greater Role in The Middle East Stability
ALSO READ: Second UK-EU Cyber Dialogue held in London
