TfL launches latest fare dodger crackdown

Transport for London (TfL) has launched its latest effort to reduce fare evasion across the network by employing a team of investigators to target frequent offenders.

About 3.4% of passengers did not pay fares between April and December 2024, a drop of 0.4% on 2023-24.

Last year, it was revealed that TfL spent nearly £22m tackling the crime, which sees fare evaders fined £100, halved if paid within two weeks. It says it employs more than 500 uniformed officers.

TfL's Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, Siwan Hayward, said: "The overwhelming majority of customers pay the correct fare, and it's unfair to those who do that a minority avoid paying."

TfL wants fare evasion to fall to 1.5% by 2030 and hopes by analysing travel patterns and CCTV, it can "identify fare evaders responsible for the greatest revenue loss".

The transport body said it was awarded more than £400,000 by the courts after prosecuting 360 "prolific fare evaders".

Fare dodgers cost TfL around £130m a year in lost revenue and its focus is widening to include the Elizabeth line and London Overground.

Ms Hayward added: "We are strengthening our capability to deter and detect fare evaders ensuring they face the consequences of their actions and that the cost of fare evasion is paid by the evaders, not our fare paying customers or taxpayers.

"Fare evasion is not a victimless crime. It robs Londoners of vital investment in a safe, frequent and reliable transport network and we are committed to reducing the current rate of fare evasion to 1.5% by 2030."

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