London Travelcards used by Bucks residents saved in new agreement

A deal has been reached to save the London Day Travelcard which subsidises travel around the capital.

Travelcards can be purchased by Bucks residents looking to use public transport in the nearby city.

A deal was reached between Transport for London (TfL), train companies, and the Government, to keep the cards in rotation.

When plans to remove the service were revealed earlier this year, Bucks Council Leader, Martin Tett, said it would be unfair on local residents.

"The proposals to remove Day Travelcards constitute an unfair, unacceptable, and expensive levy on Buckinghamshire residents who wish to travel to London,” the council leader said in August.

Also announced, was a one-off price increase on Day Travelcards for travel from stations outside Zones 1-6 as part of a National Rail ticket from March 2024, which is expected to be around three per cent. This hike in price is separate from any additional general regulated increases in fares that are confirmed.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said in a statement yesterday: “I'm delighted that we have managed to save the Day Travelcard. As part of the Covid-19 financial deal TfL made with the Government, there is a requirement to make savings of £600m. I refused to countenance removing weekly, monthly or season travelcards and today I am pleased to confirm the Day Travelcard is also now safe.

"The offer now on the table saves a much-valued product for visitors to London, while giving TfL a fairer share of ticket revenue.”

Train companies were represented by the rail delivery group during negotiations.

Paul Bowden, commercial director at RDG, added: “I think it is a great outcome for customers that we’re able to keep this popular ticket, which offers customers complete travel flexibility in London. There has been a huge amount of work behind the scenes, with the industry working together with a firm focus on customers’ interests.”

As part of its settlement with Government over its covid funding, TfL was considering scrapping the Travelcard, to make savings of £40 million per year.