Sadiq Khan’s ‘Hopper’ fare has been used on more than a hundred million journeys and could soon offer the unlimited bus rides within an hour that were originally promised.
The fare, which was launched a year ago today (11 September), allows passengers to make a £1.50 pay-as-you go bus or tram journey, and then change onto another bus or tram for free within one hour of starting their journey.
Sadiq Khan launching the Hopper fare last year
During last year’s election campaign, London mayor Mr Khan pledged to introduce a fare that would allow unlimited bus journeys within an hour. However TfL said the technology available did not allow this.
The mayor’s office said TfL is now actively testing new technology that will allow unlimited journeys across buses and trams. If this is successful, it is anticipated that the changes would be introduced in early 2018.
This upgrade would also allow passengers to travel on a Tube or rail service in London between their bus or tram journeys.
Shashi Verma, chief technology officer at TfL, said: ‘To see more than 100 million journeys made using the Hopper fare in just one year is testament to how beneficial this fare is to Londoners. It is helping Londoners save money while encouraging more use of public transport, which helps reduce road congestion.
‘We want to make it even easier for people to use our services and are now working hard to enable our customers to benefit from unlimited Hopper journeys within an hour in early 2018.’
Mr Khan said: ‘The cost of travel must never be a barrier to work or study, and with our TfL fares freeze and unlimited bus journeys within the hour planned from next year, we’re continuing to make public transport an easier and more affordable option for every Londoner.’
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