London Underground sign
(Picture: Getty Images)Tube and Elizabeth line fares between central London and Heathrow Airport have increased to the peak rate.
The changes, which came into force on September 4, mean that a journey between central London and Heathrow Airport on the Piccadilly line will rise from £3.50 to £5.50. A similar trip on the Elizabeth line will also rise by about £2 to £12.80.
In addition, the price for a new Oyster card has increased from £5 to £7.
Transport chiefs expect the £2 increase to generate an additional £27m of income per year.
Trips that end at stations before Heathrow – such as Hatton Cross or Hounslow West – will continue to have an off-peak fare.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “This fare increase was chosen as one which would have a lower impact on Londoners currently worried about the cost of living, and to ensure that journeys that avoid Zone 1 will not be affected, helping to protect those living near and working at the airport."
The fare rises come despite agreement over a £1.2bn funding package between Transport for London and the Government last week.
The Department for Transport confirmed it has struck a deal with TfL to help the service cope with potential lost revenue caused by uncertainty over post-pandemic demand.
TfL expects to receive around £1.2bn of funding from the Government until the end of March 2024 in case passenger numbers do not recover at the rate budgeted for.
But London mayor Sadiq Khan said a £740m funding gap remains in TfL’s budget over the next 20 months, with fare increases and service cuts expected alongside efficiency savings.
Mr Khan accused the Government of seeking to provoke further industrial action under the terms of the agreement, which require him to continue work on introducing driverless trains on the London Underground and seek pension reforms.
He said: "It’s going to be tough, but we’re going to find a way to make savings." So far £1bn has been saved from TfL’s operating costs in the past five years and Mr Khan added: "The bad news is there could well be increases in fares coming during the midst of a cost of living crisis."
The Government says its support now totals more than £6bn.
