Boris Johnson endorses Lib Dem proposal on half priced travel for London's unemployed

3.00.00pm GMT Wed 14th Jan 2009

Mike Tuffrey, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Assembly Group, has welcomed the Mayor's decision to extend half price bus and tram and travel scheme to unemployed Londoners claiming Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) from 1 April 2009.

Mike Tuffrey commented:

"I have repeatedly called on Ken Livingstone and since May 2008 Boris Johnson to extend half-price travel to Londoners who are unemployed, so today's decision is most welcome.

"Ken Livingstone simply ruled out my proposal. Boris Johnson claimed as recently as last November that the cost would be 'considerable'. His staff said there were real difficulties and that the idea would only be properly examined next year. We now find out that this much needed help for London's unemployed will cost just £3 million in lost revenue and can be implemented from April.

Highlighting the importance of cheaper travel for London's unemployed Mike Tuffrey said:

"No one should be forced to turn down an interview because they can't afford a bus fare. Yet Boris Johnson has put up fares this month by 11% - three times the rate of inflation. At present an unemployed person on JSA, with a weekly income of just £47, will end up paying £2 for a return trip to an interview. If they pay their fares in cash the fares will be £4.

"When you are on such a low income cheaper travel can make a world of difference to getting back to work."