Buckinghamshire Council celebrates decision to save Day Travelcards
Buckinghamshire Council welcomes the news that the Mayor of London has withdrawn the proposal to cease the sale of Day Travelcards.
Buckinghamshire Council welcomes the news that the Mayor of London has withdrawn the proposal to cease the sale of Day Travelcards for people travelling into and throughout London. Following Government intervention and avid campaigning, Transport for London (TfL) has struck a deal with train firms, ensuring that the controversial removal of the Day Travelcard won’t go ahead. Buckinghamshire Council, alongside other adjoining home counties councils, led the fight against the proposal, working together to ensure the best outcome for residents and commuters.
Since Mayor Sadiq Khan proposed withdrawing from the Travelcard agreement in July, he faced strong objections from transport campaigners and local authorities across the home counties, including Buckinghamshire Council. In his letter to Sadiq Khan, Councillor Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council stated that: “The proposals to remove Day Travelcards constitute an unfair, unacceptable, and expensive levy on Buckinghamshire residents who wish to travel to London” and that the removal would have added “barriers and travel friction to journeys to London – running counter to evidence that passenger journeys and the use of public transport are enhanced by improving integrated ticketing not reducing it.”
It was also feared that the withdrawal of Day Travelcards would have worked against residents with Special Needs or disabilities, as Day Travelcards are used by people travelling with them and assisting them.
Councillor Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, said:
“I am more than pleased to hear that the one-day Travelcard has been saved. This positive result has been possible through our successful campaign with neighbouring local authorities and will be invaluable for Buckinghamshire residents travelling in and throughout London for both business and pleasure. This is also a great outcome for the environment, as people can still choose to access affordable public transport when practical for their journey.