Transport for London: Funding — [Sir David Amess in the Chair]

Ms. Oppong-Asare expressed concern about the impact of removing free transport for under-18s in her constituency, citing numerous emails and petitions from constituents worried about the financial burden on families and young people during the pandemic. She emphasised that TfL was forced into this decision due to the drop in fare revenue by 90% during lockdown and the lack of direct Government funding to support day-to-day transport services. She highlighted a specific case where a young person feared not being able to afford school travel after losing free access, impacting their education opportunities.

Mr. Slaughter criticised the politicisation of TfL funding issues, particularly by the Conservative mayoral candidate in Carshalton and Wallington. He highlighted that TfL's revenue fell by 90% due to COVID-19, arguing against political manoeuvring over the issue. Mr. Slaughter also emphasised the Mayor's efficient management of TfL finances compared to his predecessor, noting a reduction in the operating deficit by more than 70%. He further pointed out that TfL had implemented progressive policies such as the under-18s travel card and the over-60s travelcard while maintaining fare stability. Mr. Slaughter expressed concern about the delay in repairing Hammersmith bridge, noting it was a national embarrassment costing £150 million. Mr Slaughter intervened to criticise the Government's divide-and-rule tactics towards London, urging the Minister to address the serious concerns raised by MPs during the debate.

He discussed the removal of free travel for under-18s, stating it caused significant concern among young people and their communities. He cited a Child Poverty Action Group report finding that 37% of London's children live in relative poverty, making free travel essential for many teenagers. Charalambous questioned why conditions were attached to Transport for London's bail-out demanding the suspension of free travel for under-18s despite low public transport usage during lockdown.

Asked the hon. Member if it is curious that the introductory speech failed to mention the expenditure on the garden bridge. Ms Catherine West discussed the challenges faced by London boroughs, including a significant increase in unemployment in areas like Haringey. She highlighted concerns over the removal of zip cards for under-18 travel and the need to help young people access job opportunities through affordable transport. She also raised issues with proposed tax increases during tough economic times, arguing that these measures are regressive and unfair on struggling residents.

David Simmonds focused on the challenges faced by outer suburbs like Harefield in accessing reliable public transport. He highlighted the importance of TfL services for commuting and ensuring traffic flow, stressing the need to ensure value for money across all parts of London. He also discussed the impact of changes on children and young people, urging TfL to consider how to manage social distancing while supporting school commutes.

Ms Anderson thanked the petitioners for bringing attention to scrapping free travel for under-18s and the impact it would have on disadvantaged youth. She cited specific examples of families struggling financially due to the pandemic and the necessity of free transport for children's education. The MP criticised the government's response as inadequate, highlighting the unfeasibility of expecting young people to avoid peak times for public transportation. Ms Anderson also discussed the closure of Hammersmith suspension bridge, urging the Minister to intervene and fund its restoration urgently.

Mr. Bacon argued that Transport for London is crucial to the functioning of London and its economy, emphasizing the government's role in providing £3.3 billion in funding during a pandemic-induced financial crisis. He highlighted that pre-pandemic, TfL offered more than £1 billion in transport provision, with about 70% going towards buses and other concessions not available elsewhere in the UK.

Mr Rodda highlighted the importance of free travel for under-18s, citing over 170,000 signatures on a petition supporting this cause. He stressed that cutting funding would disproportionately affect poorer families and reduce access to education, apprenticeships, and cultural activities. Mr Rodda also expressed concerns about the politicisation of TfL funding decisions and called for reconsideration of Crossrail investment.

Nickie Aiken criticised Mayor Khan for his decision to implement a major fare freeze despite advice not to do so, leading to an additional £640 million loss. She highlighted concerns over the extension of the congestion charge and the end of resident discounts, affecting businesses and individuals in her constituency. She noted that TfL employees have higher pension contributions compared to other public sector workers and questioned why there has been a significant increase in high-earning staff at TfL.

Sam Tarry criticised the Government's reduction of the operating grant for London's transport system, which has led to a £1 billion cut. He highlighted that TfL faces challenges with 70% of its fare income gone and mentioned the Mayor of London's success in negotiating free travel for older and younger people and resisting an extension of the congestion charge. Tarry also pointed out the pressure on young people due to the financial crisis, stating that their zip cards might be taken away, affecting their ability to travel and access educational resources.

TfL's finances are uniquely affected by fare income, with 80% of its revenue coming from fares. The pandemic has severely impacted TfL's income as people were instructed to stay home and not use public transport. Olney is concerned about potential tax rises and increased congestion charges proposed for Londoners to fund the bail-out. She highlighted that an increase in car usage due to scrapping free travel for under-18s could lead to significant road safety concerns, particularly for young people walking long distances to school.

Mr Hammond agreed with the hon. Member for Hammersmith that TfL has faced financial consequences due to a drop in passenger numbers and acknowledged previous funding packages of £3.3 billion from the Government. He highlighted the Mayor's failure to find savings despite prior recognition, pointing out a £640 million revenue loss due to the pay-as-you-go freeze. Mr Hammond also criticised the delay or cancellation of infrastructure projects affecting constituents' livelihoods, emphasizing that conditions imposed on the funding agreement are necessary to protect free travel for under-18s and over-60s.