Transport in London set to cost more

London Mayor, Boris Johnson, has this week announced plans for an increase in transportation costs across the whole board. Everything from buses, trains, tubes and the congestion charge, again, is going up. The discounted Oyster Card will rice by 20 per cent to £1.20 and buses are already up by 13 per cent. Underground Zone 1 fares are going up by 20p while the overall fares are going up on average of four per cent. Motorists will see another rise when the congestion charge is increased by 20 per cent to £10, unless of course you drive an exempt car.

Mr Johnson said that the increases were due to the recession that the capital is in and blamed other factors on his predecessor, Ken Livingstone. He added that he did not make this decision lightly and understands that the capital is also in a recession, but asks Londoners and all who travel here to accept his difficult choice. While these charges have come as a shock to many Johnson showed the comparison under Labour rule where there was a sharp increase in 2005 and again in 2006. Travel for the elderly, those on low incomes and children will remain the same giving free transport where necessary.

The London Congestion Charge was opposed as soon as it was first introduced to the capital by residents and workers alike. It covered an area from the City in the east to Park Lane in the west, but now covers further west into Kensington and Chelsea. Residents do gain a 90 per cent discount, but since the fee has risen to £10 per day it will be a hefty price to pay for living in the capital.