Over 100 million journeys made on ‘Hopper’ fare during first year

Londoners save £1.50 when they change onto another bus or tram within an hour

A year on from its launch, more than 100 million journeys have been made using the Mayor of London’s ‘Hopper’ fare – new figures from Transport for London today reveal.

The fare, which became operational on 11 September 2016, enables passengers to make a £1.50 pay-as-you go bus or tram journey, and then change onto another bus or tram for free within one hour of starting your journey. It is automatically given to anyone who uses pay as you go with a contactless bank payment or Oyster card, meaning cheaper travel and real savings for millions of Londoners. Of the 100 million journeys made in the first year, almost two million involved traveling on a tram as part of the journey.

Around 325,000 journeys are now being made every weekday using the ‘Hopper’ fare. The continuing success of the ‘Hopper’ will help encourage people across London to switch from their cars back to public transport – supporting the Mayor’s wider campaign to clean up London’s toxic air. With the Mayor cleaning up London’s bus fleet, passengers using the bus can help to reduce emissions, while reducing congestion on London’s roads. The ‘Hopper’ is of particular benefit to Londoners on lower incomes who rely on bus services more to get around.

Throughout the year, the route 18 bus, which runs between Sudbury & Harrow Road station to Euston station via Kensal Green, has consistently been the most popular bus to ‘hop’ onto, with the most popular overall location where people change buses being at Brent Cross shopping centre. Analysis also revealed that on 30 June 2017, more than 360,000 ‘hops’ took place in just one day.

Building on the Hopper’s success, TfL is now actively testing new technology that will allow customers to take unlimited bus and tram transfers within one hour, which is not possible with current system software. This upgrade will also allow passengers to travel on a Tube or rail service in London between their two or more bus or tram journeys – helping even more customers benefit from the ‘Hopper’ fare. Subject to this testing being successful, it is anticipated that customers will be able to benefit from the changes in early 2018.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ‘I’m delighted that, a year after its launch, 100 million journeys have been made using our new ‘Hopper’ ticket. In allowing passengers to change buses for free within an hour, I’m proud that we’re cutting the cost of travel for thousands of Londoners all across the city. The cost of travel must never be a barrier to work or study, and with our TfL fares freeze and unlimited bus journeys within the hour planned from next year, we’re continuing to make public transport an easier and more affordable option for every Londoner.”