Transport and travel costs
If you’re struggling to pay for transport, you may be entitled to free and discounted travel options.
Discounted travel on London buses and trams
If you are claiming Universal Credit or some other benefits, you may get half-price travel on London buses and trams.
Find out what benefits you may be entitled to. These aren’t only for people who are unemployed.
If you’re unemployed and looking for work, and claiming certain benefits, you can get cheaper travel on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail and most National Rail services in London. In the first few months of commuting to your new job, you may also be eligible for help with your fares. Contact your local Jobcentre Plus office for more information.
For further information about other types of free or discounted travel, including for children, students, veterans, and anyone over the age of 60, visit the TfL website.
In 2016, the Mayor of London launched also his one hour ‘Hopper’ bus fare. The ‘Hopper’ fare means that bus and tram passengers can take two journeys for the price of one, within an hour of starting your journey.
There is more information about travel concessions for Deaf and Disabled people on the charity Scope's website.
ULEZ scrappage scheme
The Mayor has funded a £160m scrappage scheme to support the London-wide ULEZ expansion. After listening to the concerns of Londoners over the recent months, the Mayor announced that the scheme would be expanding to support more people and provide higher grants for small businesses, charities and sole traders.
Now every Londoner with an eligible non-compliant car or motorcycle can apply for grant funding.
Grant payments for small businesses, sole traders and charities to scrap non-compliant vans, minibuses, wheelchair accessible vehicles and retrofits have also increased.
Applications for the scrappage scheme will be available until all funds are allocated.
There are also some temporary exemptions from the charge. You must apply directly to TfL for these exemptions.
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Community transport minibuses run by not-for-profit organisations: exempt until October 2025.
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Recipients of certain disability-related benefits and wheelchair accessible vehicles: exempt until October 2027.
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London-registered sole traders, businesses with fewer than 50 employees and charities that are waiting on delivery of a new compliant vehicle or a retrofit appointment: exempt until May 2024.
Check if you're eligible for the scrappage scheme or if you qualify for an exemption.
Cycling
Cycling is an even cheaper way to get about, as well as being fun and good for your health. TfL, Cycling For All and Money Saving Expert have some guidance on buying and saving money on a new bike, including grants where you could get your bike for free.
The Mayor is working through TfL to make walking and cycling in London easier, safer and more affordable.
Help to save money on petrol and diesel costs
Many drivers have noticed the cost of petrol and diesel rising this year, along with other energy bills. For ideas on how to save on your fuel costs, visit Money Saving Expert.
A fuel cost calculator can help you plan and budget for your journey.