Proposed withdrawal of day travelcards

Early day motion 1198, tabled 22 May 2023 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 17 members.

That this House notes that the Mayor of London is considering withdrawing Day Travelcards from sale; further notes that the change is proposed to assist in generating additional income; is mindful that that the likely impact of the withdrawal is to make travel more expensive for passengers who currently purchase Day Travelcards; recognises that National Railcard discounts can be used on Day Travelcards and that these discounts are not available via contactless payment on the London transport network; further recognises that a recent report by London Travelwatch on digital exclusion found that already one in six people in London say they are unable to buy a ticket as they do not have access to a smartphone or the internet; is concerned that further restricting fares available to purchase as tickets risks exacerbating digital exclusion; believes that scrapping Day Travelcards could disincentivise travel into and around London on public transport and encourage car use as an alternative; understands that the terms of Transport for London’s current funding agreement with the Government require it to generate additional revenue; further understands that TfL has forecast a £75m surplus on its budget this year and passenger numbers are rising faster than forecast; therefore calls on TfL and the Mayor of London to retract proposals to withdraw Day Travelcards; and calls on the Government to enable a fair funding arrangement for London’s public transport system.

Signatures by party: Labour 11, Independent 2, Conservative 1, DUP 1, Green 1, Scottish National Party 1.