London Underground: premium fares to Heathrow coming soon?

Transport for Londonthe authority in charge of public transport in the British capital, is facing an outcry. The agency has just announced that it would like to increase fares to Heathrow airport terminals. A proposal by "premium rate ("Premium Fare") on the Piccadilly line could result in a additional 60 % on journeys to Heathrow.

The current fare between Heathrow and London varies between 3.30 and £6.00depending on the time of travel and the method of payment. During morning and evening rush hour, thehe rate is £5.30 with the Oyster Card. From now on, this will be the price to pay all day long. The increase would apply from all stations in zone 1, which covers the whole of central London. It is not yet known whether this new fare will apply at weekends.

This increase in fares would be used to generate new revenue for Transport for London, which has suffered heavy losses as a result of the pandemic. TfL receives virtually no government subsidies...

A decision in February

The government will examine these proposals by the end of the month and decide on the increase before the deadline for a new financing agreement on 4 February next.

In addition to this "Premium Tariff" for Heathrow - which will not result in a "Premium" service - the fare increases planned for TfL in 2022 are expected to reach 5 % compared with current fares.

Current TfL rail journeys between Heathrow and Zone 1 are already subject to a £10.40 surcharge for a single journey. outside peak times with an Oyster or contactless card. The aim is to finance the airport's expansion.