It’s official: the scrapping of peak Tube and train fares on Fridays is going ahead, as it’s been confirmed that a deal has been struck between Mayor Sadiq Khan and private rail companies.
In January, it was announced that the London mayor had these plans for a three-month trial beginning o on March 8but it was dependent on the agreement being put in place. Now, it’s been confirmed that this will be going ahead as planned, and Londoners will be able to enjoy cheaper fares at peak travel times on Fridays.
How long will the cheap Friday fares last?
Kicking off on March 8, the scrapping of peak fares on the Tube and trains each Friday is due to last until May 31 as part of a £24 million deal.
Why are Tube and train fares going to be cheaper on Fridays?
Cheap fares at this time come in the hope that commuters will travel into the city on Fridays instead of opting to work from home at the end of the week. Currently, it is by far the day with the lowest rate of workers travelling into the centre, and Mayor Sadiq Khan hopes for this to change.
Figures indicate that people living in London are using the Tube and trains during the week more than ever since the lockdown was eased, standing at around 85 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Fridays are lagging behind the rest of the week, with around 73 per cent of the previous rate.
It is hoped that cheaper fares will mean this gap lessens for workers, and those travelling into the city at the end of the working week to enjoy the bars, restaurants and entertainment. To accompany the trial, there will be three months of special discounts and deals at selected cafés and restaurants.
All pay-as-you-go journeys will be switched to off-peak fares on Friday for both contactless card and Oyster Card paymentsand this will include some routes from outside the Greater London boundaries. Travelcard rates, however, will remain the same, as will single paper tickets.
The trial also means that those aged 60+ will be able to travel for free all day on Fridaysand not just at off-peak times. Discounts will also now apply to students and young people all day.
Speaking about the trial, Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Encouraging more people back into the city on Fridays could give a much-needed boost to the hospitality, business and leisure sectors. I’m making a call to all Londoners: to help London keep roaring back – Let’s Do Fridays!”
Tube and train fares will have no peak times rise on Fridays between March 8 – May 31. It also follows Mayor Sadiq Khan freezing pay-as-you-go fares until 2025.
