In some much needed good news, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed his plans to protect free travel for the Under 18s and the Over 60s as well as to reject changes and an expansion to the congestion charge zone.
Earlier this year, free travel for Under 18s and the Over 60s was paused due to the financial losses suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The move sparked activism as many worried about how the loss of free travel would impact children during one of the most tumultuous financial times to date.
In opposition to the government’s plans, Khan has rejected the extension of the £15 daily Congestion Charge to the North and South circular roads, the scrapping of free fares for under 18s and the over 60s as well as plans for a larger fare increase for all than previously agreed.
In a statement, Sadiq Khan said, “We fought hard against this Government which is so determined to punish our city for doing the right thing to tackle Covid-19. The only reason TfL needs government support is because its fares income has almost dried up since March.”