Council critical of plan to scrap London Travelcards

THE PLAN to scrap One Day Travelcards to London has been condemned by Reading Borough Council.

The Mayor of London is currently consulting on the plan which would see an end to a single ticket being used on mainline railway services, London Underground trains and buses.

Instead, passengers would need to buy separate tickets and, while London Transport fares are capped, it would see the cost of an offpeak day trip rise from £29.60 to £38.90. Other fares, including group travelcards, would also be withdrawn.

Reading Borough Council has lodged an official objection, saying it is wrong to do so during a cost-of-living crisis.

The council has concerns over the increase in the number of tickets that will be issued. At the moment, only one is needed.

There are also concerns that the price increase would put people in their cars rather than getting on the train, undermining sustainable travel alternatives.

Cllr Tony Page, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: “Whether on the basis of cost, the inconvenience of having to buy separate tickets, or the impact on both the environment and on London’s economy, the proposal to withdraw its day travelcard is completely at odds with the established direction of travel for TfL, and indeed local authorities.” n The consultation is available to view at: haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/travelcards