London Mayor Invites Citizens as Global Trailblazing Friday Off‑Peak Fare Trial Debuts

London’s New Off‑Peak Fridays: A Cheap, Chill Fresh Start

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, just rolled out a bold experiment at the start of May: all pay‑as‑you‑go journeys that use contactless cards or Oyster will count as off‑peak all day on Fridays. “Let’s do Fridays,” he declared, and the city has followed up with a slew of promos to lure residents back into the heart of London.

What Changed?

All Friday trips on Tube and National Rail are now off‑peak. Peak times (06:30‑09:30 & 16:00‑19:00) will not apply.
Daily caps will match the lower off‑peak rate, so frequent travellers get the full benefit.
Bus and tram fares stay flat at £1.75 – no time‑based changes.
Oyster photocard & Freedom Pass holders can ride before 9 am for free, spreading the savings all day.

In effect, a commuter from Zone 6 to Zone 1 on the Elizabeth line will drop from £5.60 to £3.60 – a £2 saving. A Zone 4‑to‑Zone 2 trip cuts from £2.80 to £1.90, saving 90p. Even National Rail lovers see big cuts: a midweek St Albans City‑to‑Blackfriars run of £12.90 becomes just £9.50, a £3.40 knock‑down, with double savings if the return is made during evening peak.

Why the City Matters

London’s expensive living costs, coupled with a post‑pandemic slump in footfall, have hit core sectors hard. In response, the Mayor’s team has frozen TfL fares until March 2025, and now pumped £24 million into the trial to keep revenue gaps covered for operators.

Set to stimulate commuters, hospitality, culture and retail, the initiative should bring more people to offices, bars, restaurants and theatres – sectors still struggling to rebound.

Feel‑the‑Friday Spirit: Exciting Offers

London & Partners has launched a fresh website – VisitLondon.com/Fridays – filled with special deals that evolve each Friday. Examples include:

Buff up for lunch at Gaucho restaurants with 20% off menus each Friday (through 31 March).
Get museum thrills at the Wicked musical using off‑peak prices.
Enjoy half‑price tickets to the Turn It Up science museum exhibition.

Next Up

Additional discounts and partner offers will roll out throughout the trial, making each Friday a unique event for locals and tourists alike.

As the Mayor said: “We’re freezing fares again, and with this off‑peak trial we hope to get more Londoners back to the office on Fridays, boosting hospitality, culture and retail. The goal? A fairer, more prosperous London for everyone.”