'Will hard pressed Londoners benefit from fare increases?' - Mike Tuffrey AM

10.10.00am GMT Thu 4th Sep 2008

Commenting on Mayor Johnson's announcement of a six per cent increase in bus and tube fares Mike Tuffrey AM, the Liberal Democrat's group leader at the London Assembly says: "Last year the Liberal Democrats pointed out Ken Livingstone's fare freeze was unsustainable and this announcement proves us right.

"As well as that what Mayor Johnson has failed to do so far is outline exactly how a inflation busting increase in fares will benefit the hard pressed traveller on London's transport network.

"Will we see better services, more reliable trains and an end to overcrowding? I somehow doubt it."

The announcement was made at Wednesday's Budget and Performance Committee and the fare rises will come into effect in January 2009.

Mayor Johnson's transport adviser Kulveer Ranger expanded on the plans saying there would be some extension of concessionary fares for the worst-off, new concessions for war veterans and greater differentiation of off-peak and peak-time fares to shift journeys to quieter times.

He added the increases were necessary to cover a shortfall of at least £84m annually created by the former mayor's fares freeze.