Public transport fares in London frozen until 2025

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced a decision to freeze public transport fares in London until March 2025 as part of a 123 million pound investment aimed at strengthening the city's transport network and reducing costs. This significant step comes just weeks after the government's commitment to bridge the Transport for London (TfL) funding gap. According to Khan's office, this decision will allow Londoners to save up to 90 pounds per year.

However, this decision, which comes ahead of the mayoral elections on May 2, has faced criticism from the opposition at the city hall. Conservative Party candidate Susan Hall described Khan's move as "the latest effort behind false promises" and claimed it would impose an additional tax burden on Londoners. Khan, on the other hand, stated that this decision is supported by smart financial management and aims to provide a solution to London's economic challenges.

Khan had previously taken similar steps by freezing TfL fares in 2016 and 2021. His office emphasized that this decision is a key part of his strategy to protect Londoners from the cost-of-living crisis. In addition to the government's announcement of an additional 250 million pounds in funding support for TfL for 2024, Khan also proposed providing "additional funds" to increase the salaries of TfL staff.

As transport policies in London come under scrutiny, it remains a matter of curiosity how Khan's decision will affect the election atmosphere.

News Source: 12punto