News from Tony Arbour: Move Surbiton and Kingston stations into Zone 5 and save residents hundreds, says Tony Arbour AM

Tony Arbour AM has today called for Surbiton and Kingston stations to be moved from transport Zone 6 into Zone 5, which could save commuters travelling from those stations hundreds of pounds a year.

Kingston’s London Assembly Member, Mr Arbour believes the stations are in the wrong zone considering there are 23 stations in Zone 5 that are further out of central London than either Kingston or Surbiton stations which are in Zone 6.

As a result, regular commuters into Zone 1 from those stations in Zone 6 have to pay £2,016 per year for an annual season ticket, which is £136 more than the £1,880 Zone 1-5 season ticket. 

Speaking at Mayor’s Question Time this morning, Mr Arbour called for Kingston and Surbiton to be ‘re-zoned’ to save commuters in south west London money.

Responding to Mr Arbour, Mayor Boris Johnson pledged his support, saying: “I am more than happy to join you in making this point [to the Government]”.

Commenting, Mr Arbour said:

“There is no reason for Kingston and Surbiton stations to be in Zone 6 since they are closer to central London than 23 other stations in Zone 5.

“Not only are they in the wrong zone, but it costs my constituents who commute into inner London hundreds of pounds a year extra in travel fares.

“I’m delighted that the Mayor has agreed that these stations should be moved into Zone 5 and will work with me to lobby the Government to correct this inaccuracy that is costing residents in south west London a lot of money.”

Mr Arbour also highlight the current farcical situation where it is cheaper to travel into central London from Stoneleigh station in Epsom, Surrey, than it is from Kingston or Surbiton. A situation that arises because Stoneleigh is in Zone 5, despite it being four miles from Kingston and outside of London.

ENDS