Transport for London will trial off-peak fare cuts on Friday on Tube and rail services across the capital in a bid to lure back passengers who have been stuck at home since the pandemic lockdown.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the trial would begin in March and last three months.
London has a large number of service workers who have been able to primarily work from home during the coronavirus pandemic and who will continue to do so after restrictions are lifted, with a large proportion using public transport to get to work. occupies .
The mayor’s office said weekend ridership has returned to roughly pre-pandemic levels, but weekday ridership of subway and rail services is down. Midweek his ridership was 85%, but on Friday he was down to 73%.
Mr Khan said he hoped cheaper fares would bring more people into the city and that by supporting bars, restaurants and music venues “it could support economic growth”. There is. The increase in passenger numbers could also help Transport for London (TfL), whose finances have been severely affected. This led to a row between TfL and ministers over a package of relief packages.
The idea comes in the run-up to May’s local elections, when Mr Khan is expected to retain the mayor’s seat over his Conservative rival Susan Hall. According to the BBC, Ms Hall said she believed the trial would not bring about much change.
Peak charges apply on TfL and National Rail services in London from 06:30 to 09:30 and from 16:00 to 19:00. The Mayor’s Office has announced that for journeys from the city’s outer zone 6 to central zone 1, fares will drop from £5.60 to £3.60, a saving of £2. The policy is expected to cost £24 million.
Khan said: “London has really bounced back since the pandemic, with the clear exception of no commuters returning on Friday, which has had a huge knock-on effect on shops, cafes and cultural venues.” Ta. That’s why I’m asking TfL to trial off-peak fares on Fridays, and encouraging Londoners to get involved.
“Whether experimentation is an effective way to increase passenger numbers and give business a welcome boost as we continue to build a better, fairer and more prosperous London for everyone. It will help you check.”
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Kate Nicholls, chief executive of hotel, pub and restaurant lobbying group UKHospitality, said: “Fridays have undoubtedly been hit hard as a result of changes in working patterns since the pandemic. Hospitality businesses are feeling the loss of commuters.” trade.
“Addressing these challenges with innovative initiatives like Off-Peak Fridays is exactly the flexible approach needed to increase travel numbers and stimulate attendance at venues. We hope to see a positive outcome for , commuters and the economy as a whole.”