MP’s concerns over plans to axe one-day travelcards

AXING one-day travelcards to London will have a serious impact on passengers, says one of the borough’s MPs.

Matt Rodda has written to Transport for London to express his concerns over plans to axe the special ticket that allows Wokingham residents to pay one price for unlimited use of bus and tube services in the capital city as well as catching a Great Western or South Western rail service to and from Paddington or Waterloo stations.

The London transport company, overseen by the mayor of London, has to make savings and is looking at dropping the scheme.

Reading and Wokingham borough councils have both expressed their opposition to the plan, and now the Reading East MP has joined their calls.

In his letter, Mr Rodda said: “The travelcard is a very important fare for a wide range of residents.

“The withdrawal would mean a significant increase to many passengers’ fares to London, especially those wishing to travel off-peak, with the cost set to increase from £29.60 to £38.90.

“This notable change is likely to affect those who travel to London one or two days a week, including many selfemployed people and part-time workers… it could also affect those travelling for leisure and some students.”

He was also concerned about the impact such a large price hike would have on passengers already struggling due to the cost of living crisis as well as the climate emergency.

“Removal of this scheme could discourage residents from using the train when this should be promoted as a more environmentally friendly way to travel to London,” he wrote.

“An increase in car usage is likely to lead to more carbon dioxide emissions and risks reducing air quality in London.”

He added: “I believe this proposal would be against the interests of local residents”.

Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for active travel, transport and highways, Cllr Paul Fishwick, said: “We truly understand the challenges that the pandemic

In a bid to generate more income, London’s mayor is considering withdrawing Transport for London from the one-day travelcard scheme has had on the economic viability of all public transport provisions.

“However, increasing the cost of travel significantly is likely to have a detrimental effect on the demand for rail travel and will therefore amplify the financial situation not improve it.

“Cost increases of 27-29% are significant, especially set against the backdrop of the current increases in cost of living. Off-peak leisure travel is likely to be non-essential travel and therefore any increases are likely to reduce demand for travel or cause residents to look for other ways to make their journeys.

“The council is unable to support the mayor’s proposal to withdraw the day travelcard and we urge the mayor to reconsider the true impact of the scheme.”

The consultation closed on May 23.