The Mayor of London has announced the new Transport for London fares which come into effect on 2nd January 2015.  Within the figures released there is a major reduction for peak hour part-time workers, but those travelling regularly off-peak will face increases of up to 38%.

In recognition of the changes to way people work, with an increase in part-time workers, and after a campaign by Liberal Democrat GLA Leader, Caroline Pidgeon, TfL have set the peak hour oyster pay-as-you-go cap at a fifth of the weekly travelcard rate.  This means travelling from Surbiton station (zone 6), using the oyster system, the maximum you’ll need to pay is £11.70 per day, down from £15.80.  If you use Berrylands Station (zone 5)  the pay-as-you-go cap is £10.90.

However, they have removed the off-peak oyster cap.  This means travelling off-peak (after 9.30am) from Surbiton station you’ll still be capped at £11.70 per day, rather than the current £8.50.

I welcome the reduction in peak hour travel.  For part-time workers or those who regularly work from home on some days, getting a weekly travelcard was not worth it.  This way they will get the benefit of lower transport costs enjoyed by those who work full time in central London.

I am concerned that for a proportion of our residents, who choose or need to travel off-peak, there is a massive increase in their costs. For inner London the removal of the off-peak oyster cap, still gives them savings.  Once again Boris Johnson has shown he is a Mayor for central London, not the whole of London.”

says St Mark’s Ward Councillor, Liz Green

For more information on all the changes visit TFL website