Sadiq Khan has announced travel fares will rise by 5.8% this year.
This follows after the London Mayor confirmed that bus and tram fares would be further frozen to July 2026.
The fare increase has left some students panicking about the affordability of studying in London amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
An Economics student at Kingston University said: “It already feels like travel is expensive enough as it is, the prices just keep hiking, and the support isn’t.
“There’s been days when I’m low on money and I can’t afford to go to university and it really feels crushing.
“Not being able to afford travelling feels like a let-down, from this government.”
The student continued: “The Elizabeth Line is already expensive enough as it gets and it just feels like there’s no end here.
“I’ve had to cut back on food and skip outings at times, because travel is such a burden on my wallet; like there’s days I’m spending upwards of £15.”
The increase only impacts direct TFL rail services such as all the Underground and Elizabeth Lines and all Overground Lines.
The news comes after the announcement all National Rail fares are being frozen to March 2027 to ease the cost of living crisis.
The reason behind inflation falls behind a deal TFL struck up with the government regarding funding back in 2020, to keep transport services running.
One of the conditions of this deal was the fares to increase in accordance to inflation with one percent added.
Kingston University provides services for students struggling with travel costs, with campus work opportunities and supply the Kingston Bursary, which grants students in need up to £2000, as well as many others. They also provide a warm coat initiative, which gives out more than 250 jackets to students each year.
The student added: “I think the University does help, but when the costs keep rising, there’s only so much help you can apply for.”
