Off-peak Fridays in London
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903 Londoners have responded | 14/03/2024 - 31/05/2024
TfL publishes Off-Peak Friday fares report
Updated: 03 February 2025
Thank you to everyone who had their say on the Off-Peak Friday trial. We heard from 900+ of you in our survey and discussion, which we ran during the trial from 8 March to 31 May 2024.
Transport for London (TfL) has now published a report of the trial findings. This includes ridership data, feedback from local businesses, and the views of Londoners - including what you told us here on Talk London.
Key finding
The Off-Peak Friday fares trial was part of a wider approach to make fares and ticketing more flexible and innovative. It looked at whether reducing fares on Fridays would impact ridership and revenue, as well as London’s wider economy.
The trial was positively received by customers - including in our survey and discussion- and supported by stakeholders including London’s hospitality industry. However, a temporary discount to peak fares on a Friday did not result in a significant increase in travel.
During the trial, an average of 1.31 million peak-time rail journeys were made on Fridays that were not affected by National Rail strikes and public or school holidays. This is the same level as pre-trial Fridays.
However, TfL’s customer survey also showed that 42% of people who claimed to have taken advantage of off-peak Fridays said that this was an additional journey, rather than swapping their usual travelling day to a Friday.
While there were no major changes in ridership data, the trial was popular with Londoners, businesses and business improvement districts. Especially in areas where hospitality and cultural venues are reliant on trade from local business rather than visitors.
What’s happening next
TfL will continue to develop ideas on innovative approaches to fares and ticketing, including working innovatively with businesses and third parties to promote travel on public transport.
This will be supported by ongoing analysis to better understand post-pandemic travel patterns.
We’ll keep you posted on new opportunities to have your say.
What you told us
Awareness of the trial
was aware of the trial
was vaguely aware
was not aware
said they didn't know
74% of you had travelled on a Friday since the trial started
usually travelled on a Friday
had to travel as you already made plans
travelled to take advantage of the trial
Those who were aware and had travelled, mainly travelled:
- To travel to / from work
- To spend time with friends or family (pub, restaurant etc)
- To visit leisure facilities such as cinema, spa
- To visit outdoor spaces
- To spend time with friend or family (private setting)
Who we heard from
lived in Outer London
lived in Inner London
lived outside of London
men
women
other