Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group and Deputy Chair of the London Assembly's Transport Committee, commenting on the publication today of July’s inflation rate which is used as the basis for setting fares on London's transport network for the next year, said:
“Although the slight easing in the UK inflation rate for July is welcome I am seriously concerned that the Mayor of London could use this figure to hike up fares on London transport next year.
“The slowdown in the July 2009 inflation rate meant that there was a strong case for freezing fares in London this year, yet the Mayor casually ditched the formula when reaching his decision and hiked up bus fares by a staggering 12.7%. People who use Oyster Pay as You Go were hit by an even higher rise of 20%.
“Boris Johnson needs to enter into a real debate with Londoners over the next few weeks before he makes any decision on fares on tubes, trams and buses for next year. He should outline in depth the options he is considering and what investment Londoners will see in return.”