London TravelWatch has welcomed the introduction of an evening peak on the Tube between 4pm and 7pm, meaning cheaper tickets between 9.30am and 4pm, and after 7pm.

David Leibling said: We welcome the new off-peak fare, which may encourage people to avoid the busiest times, but the change will have to be fully advertised, so passengers can take advantage of the cheaper fares, and also to avoid people returning in the peak with an off-peak ticket.

The Mayor has announced the annual fare rises for buses, tubes and trams which London TravelWatch regrets, but accepts that these increases are required in today's economic climate. The Mayor also announced that he would retain half-price fares for passengers on income support, and Freedom Passes will now be accepted 24 hours a day.

David Leibling continued: We have reservations about capacity on an already-crowded transport network with more people travelling free at the busiest times now the Freedom Pass will be accepted 24 hours a day. However, we do welcome the retention of half-price fares for those on Income Support, passengers who cannot afford public transport, but who rely on it greatly.

For more information, please contact Jo deBank in the London TravelWatch press office on 020 7726 9953 or out of hours on 07734 055494.

The voice of London's transport users
4 September 2008