London Assembly candidate campaigns for cheaper transport (From Times Series)

Labour's London Assembly candidate for Barnet, Andrew Dismore, campaigns for cheaper transport

11:50am Wednesday 9th November 2011 in News By Natalie O'Neill

LABOUR’s London Assembly candidate for Barnet and Camden has backed Ken Livingstone’s plans to cut bus, tube and train fares if elected Mayor of London next year.

Andrew Dismore joined campaigners at Euston station yesterday, where they told commuters about Mr Livingstone's pledge to cut fares by five per cent in 2012.

The group also warned against plans made by current Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to increase the price of fares.

Mr Dismore said: “Boris Johnson' policy is to raise fares by two per cent above inflation over the next four years – and for 20 years. Ken Livingstone's policy is to cut fares by five per cent in 2012 and to freeze them in 2013. In further years Ken pledges to raise them only by the level of inflation, or less."

Fares have increased over the last three years. A single bus fare under Mr Johnson has risen from 90p in 2008 to £1.40 in 2012, an increase of 56 per cent, and a zone 1-6 travelcard is up 22 per cent, costing Londoners £509 more per year.

Mr Dismore, former MP for Hendon, added: “Ken’s ‘Fare Deal’ will see the average Londoner saving £800 over a four year term. At a time of pressure on family budgets and rising prices, Londoners cannot afford Boris Johnson’s unfair fair rises year after year.

“I believe Ken’s policy shows we are in touch with what Londoners need and expect from their mayor at times of financial hardship.”