Londoners will have to pay 4.6% more for the Tube and trains next year because the government has instructed Sadiq Khan to increase fares as part of the budget deal.
In return for the £485 million Transport for London (TfL) received from the government on Wednesday, transport minister Louise Haigh said fares must be increased.
TfL fares should “rise “in line with national rail fares”,” which were increased by 4.6% earlier this week, she said.
The Tube, London Overground and Elizabeth Line are expected to be affected by the scheme.
Rail fares are expected to become more expensive on 2 March 2019, meaning prices for TfL services will also rise at that time.
The amount will be split into two parts: The government will give TfL £242.5m on 10 April 2019 and again on 25 September 2019.
Mrs Haigh has written to Mr Khan, the mayor of London, saying: “His Majesty’s Government” (HMG) wants you to think about all the ways in which you can make money as part of TfL’s business planning and to inform HMG of your plans to ensure that TfL always makes better money in the long term.
“Please note that in considering how much money TfL needs in Phase 2 of the Spending Review, HMG is working on the assumption that TfL’s fares will rise at the same rate as national rail fares this year”
Unable to agree on wages, Tube workers will strike for a few days from Friday evening.
TfL said most London Underground lines will not run from 5 to 8 November and on 12 November.
Because of the strikes, anyone planning to travel on the London Underground is asked to check in advance.
Transport for London (TfL) said it is working hard to resolve the disagreements and is still in talks with Aslef and the Rail, Maritime and Transport union.
Claire Mann, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are disappointed that the RMT and Aslef unions have called a strike when we have only just discussed pay and conditions.”
“We are continuing to engage with all the unions to resolve the issues and find a solution.”
It’s a fair deal for our staff and cheap for London.
“We are calling on the unions to call off their actions, honour our offer and stop London being driven to ruin.”
“If the offer is accepted, customers should make enquiries before travelling as there will be little to no service on some days during the strike.”
London Underground services will be affected on the following days due to the planned strike:
Journeys will end earlier than usual on 3 November. Customers will be asked to finish their journeys by 1700 hours. No journeys will run after 1900.
– Monday, 4 November: The normal service will take place, but customers should enquire in advance.
– On Tuesday 5 November and Wednesday 6 November, most London Underground lines will not be running, causing numerous problems. It is possible that the lines that do run will start later and finish earlier than usual.
– On Thursday 7 November, the London Underground is unlikely to run.
– Friday 8 November: Due to serious problems, most London Underground services will not be running. It is possible that services may start later and finish earlier than usual.
– On 9 November, London Underground services are likely to start later than usual.
– Tuesday 12 November: Most London Underground services will not operate due to significant delays. It is possible that services will start later and finish earlier than usual.