London Transport Fines Rise as Fare Dodging Costs Millions
Transport for London (TfL) has reported a significant increase in the number of penalty fares issued to passengers. Between April 2025 and March 2026, the transport authority issued more than 69,000 fines. This represents a 10% increase compared to previous periods, as officials work harder to stop people from traveling without a valid ticket.
Fare dodging, also known as fare evasion, is a major financial problem for London's transport network. According to TfL, this issue costs the city approximately £190 million every year. To catch those who do not pay, inspectors checked nearly seven million contactless cards and tickets during the one-year period.
The data shows that some parts of the network have higher rates of fare evasion than others. The highest rate was found on London’s trams, where 7.3% of passengers did not pay for their journey. On the London Underground, also known as the Tube, the rate was 5%, while the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) recorded a rate of 4%.
TfL continues to monitor the network closely to ensure that all passengers pay for their travel. By increasing inspections and issuing more fines, the authority hopes to reduce the financial loss caused by unpaid fares. Passengers are reminded to always tap their cards or buy a ticket before starting their journey to avoid a penalty.