Mayor adopts Lib Dem policy of half price bus and tram travel for unemployed Londoners

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 1st Apr 2009

Mike Tuffrey, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, speaking on the first day of half price bus and tram travel for unemployed Londoners on Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) said:

"I urged Ken Livingstone to adopt half price travel for JSA claimants and since May 2008 I have repeatedly called on Boris Johnson to take up the policy. I therefore welcome the Mayor listening to the Liberal Democrats and introducing half price bus and tram travel from the beginning of April.

"Half price bus and tram travel will make a real difference for over 150,000 unemployed Londoners on JSA who very much need to be able to access libraries and job centres as well as attend interviews.

"Being active and mobile is key to getting back to work, yet at present even the shortest bus ride costs £1 with an Oyster card and £2 for a cash fare. Half price travel will make a real difference to JSA claimants, who in some cases only receive an income of £47.95 a week."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is the main benefit for people of working age who are out of work. For people 16 to 24 years of age the current rate is £47.95 a week. For people 25 years of age or over it is £60.50 a week.

For more information about fare discounts:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/faresandtickets/5568.aspx