Dr Alison Moore AM, Chair of the Transport Committee, said:
“London’s transport already needed a new long-term funding model when COVID-19 set in. Transport for London relied on fares for nearly three quarters of its income but other cities like New York and Paris run on as little as a third from fares. In 2020 TfL fares fell by up to 90 per cent because of the pandemic.
“The Transport Committee warned against Londoners having to pick up the tab for TfL’s bailout, yet they are being faced with council tax, fare and travelcard increases. The latest funding proposals will keep free travel for under 18s and older people. Questions remain over whether future transport fares will be affordable for Londoners on low incomes or who lost their job in the pandemic.
“TfL is treading the line of achieving financial stability and maintaining affordable transport across the capital. The way we live in the city and use public transport may change. Research shows that many Londoners want to leave the city, have only short commutes, or flexibly work from home. It is time for the Mayor and the Government to develop a detailed plan on how they will deliver a transport system that is affordable and fit for the future. The Government must also now publish their own KPMG review of TfL finances so that we can be certain any TfL funding decisions in the coming years are made in the best interests of Londoners.”
Notes for editors:
- Dr Alison Moore AM, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more details, please contact Louise Young in the Assembly Media Office on 07849 308317. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit, Greater London Authority, on 020 7983 4100.