London Bus and Tram Fares to Rise for First Time in Over Three Years

London's bus and tram fares will increase for the first time in three and a half years in November 2026, Transport for London confirmed on 16 October. A single adult fare will rise by 10p to £1.85, the daily bus-and-tram cap will increase from £5.25 to £5.55, and concession card holders paying by contactless or Oyster will pay 5p more per journey. The increase ends a record fare freeze that Mayor Sadiq Khan has extended seven consecutive times since March 2023, each time using City Hall funding to subsidise the gap. The most recent extension was as recently as July 2026, when the freeze was prolonged until autumn. TfL gave passengers approximately six weeks' notice. The new fares will take effect on a date in November yet to be confirmed. In absolute terms the rise is modest, but it marks a symbolic end to one of Khan's most visible cost-of-living pledges. Passenger and advocacy group reaction focused on cumulative cost-of-living pressures. The story was among Time Out London's most-read news pieces during the week of 16–20 October, reflecting strong reader interest in transport fare changes.