Murad Qureshi AM, Labour London wide Assembly Member today (Monday) joined local campaigners at Edgware Road station to protest against Boris Johnson’s latest round of inflation busting fare rises. Despite promising to cap the New Year fare rises at inflation (which is 3.1%) fares on buses, some TfL rail services and many travelcards will go up above this level. 

The above inflation rises for 2014 include: 

–       Bus and Tram Pay as You Go – up 3.6% to £1.45 – a 55p rise since 2008

–       PAYG TfL Rail Services Zone 1 – up 4.8% to £2.20

–       Zone 1-2 monthly Travelcard – up 3.3% to £120.60

–       Zone 1-3 monthly Travelcard – up 3.4% to £141.40

–       Zone 1-4 annual travelcard – up 3.2% to £1800  

Murad Qureshi AM, Labour London wide Assembly Member said:

“Despite his promises many transport fares in London will go up above inflation this month. Bus fares have now risen by over 60% since Boris became Mayor in 2008 and Travelcards are up by 3.4%. This couldn’t come at a worse time as Londoners continue to be hit by the cost of living crisis. 

“We’ve seen food, fuel and rents all going up above inflation, rather than using his position to provide some much needed release to Londoners Boris has whacked them with another inflation busting fare rise. People are increasingly asking, whose side is he on?” 

“To make matters worse these fare rises come at the same time as Boris is planning to cut 750 frontline station staff across our city. People will be paying more money for a worse service.” 

Ends

Notes

1. Murad Qureshi AM is a London wide Assembly Member.
2. The new fare levels can be found here: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/29288.aspx