Since Sunday, March 2, 2025, tube and rail fares have risen by 4.6%, making even a simple trip from home to a coffee shop to catch up with friends more expensive than before.

This increase was announced in 2024, with tube fares rising by 4.6% in line with the national rail fare increase. The rise is attributed to reinvestment in vital transport infrastructure projects. The government made this decision after reviewing the budget in 2024.

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, does not present this as bad news for Londoners. In fact, he was able to freeze bus and tram fares for the sixth time since 2016, meaning that although commuting will be more expensive, bus and tram fares will remain at £1.75.

Although this increase was introduced months ago to make it easier to digest, it has not been well received. The timing is poor. With the ongoing cost of living crisis, Londoners are already struggling to manage their money between rent, bills, and groceries. Given the high costs in the capital, people were expecting more discounts and lower fares, not the opposite.

The reality is that this increase will mostly affect low-income individuals living in the capital. Since the housing crisis and the rise in rent prices, the number of people living in poverty in London has almost doubled, and this is particularly specific to the capital.

This increase has made London the most expensive city in the world for public transport, so it is no surprise that Londoners are frustrated. At the same time, Transport for London (TFL) has recorded its highest rise in fare dodging. Within 90 minutes at Stratford station, 62 fare evaders were caught.