London Tube and Rail Fares to Increase by 4.6% in 2025; Bus and Tram Fares Frozen

The Mayor of London has announced that Tube and rail fares across the city are set to increase by an average of 4.6% in 2025, while bus and tram fares will remain frozen for another year. These fare adjustments for Tube and rail services will take effect on 2 March 2025. Daily fare caps will also see an increase, ranging from 40p to 70p, based on the specific zones traversed. This marks the sixth time since 2016 that bus and tram fares have been frozen, allowing passengers to continue utilizing the Hopper fare, which permits unlimited journeys within an hour for £1.75. Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that the revenue generated from these fare increases would be reinvested into Transport for London (TfL) services. Khan commented: “Following the government’s budget, ministers made clear that to secure national funding for key transport projects in the future, TfL Tube and rail fares would need to increase in line with national rail fares. “Vital national government funding will allow us to progress exciting future projects, such as Superloop 2 and more upgrades to the Tube network.” TfL clarified that the 4.6% increase in Tube and train fares represents an average, meaning certain prices will rise by more than this figure while others will increase by less, owing to necessary rounding adjustments. As an illustration, a single pay-as-you-go fare within zone 1 will see a 10p increase next year, moving from its current £2.80. The daily cap for travel solely within zones 1 and 2 will increase by 40p, reaching £8.90 per day. Furthermore, individuals traveling between zones 1 and 3 will face a maximum daily charge of £10.50, an increase of 50p. TfL confirmed that various concessions, such as Zip photocards, the 18+ student photocard, the 18-25 Carer leavers pass, and the 60+ London photocard, will not be affected by these changes. National rail fares nationwide are also slated for a 4.6% increase in March, and the Labour government has instructed Khan to raise TfL fares in line with inflation to match these national increases. Tom Edwards, BBC London’s transport correspondent, commented: “If the mayor has one lever he can pull on transport, it is setting fares but arguably that lever is increasingly being controlled elsewhere. “While he has offset the increase a bit by freezing bus and tram fares, the point is devolution is not really devolution when you are getting told what to do.” Alex Williams, representing TfL, stated: “This fares package aims to keep fares as affordable as possible while supporting London’s continued economic growth. “Through daily and weekly capping, as well as the Hopper fare and our wide range of concessions, people using our services can continue to get the best value fare by using pay as you go with contactless and Oyster.”