Sadiq Khan has unveiled a significant expansion of London’s "Hopper" fare, offering passengers unlimited bus and tram travel for the price of a single ticket every weekend this summer.
Starting July 25 and running through August 31, the Weekend Hopper will allow Londoners and tourists to traverse the capital all day Saturday and Sunday for just £1.75. The move is designed to boost the city’s leisure economy and provide cost-of-living relief during the school summer holidays.
A decade of "hopping"
The initiative builds on the original Hopper fare introduced by the Mayor in 2016, which currently allows unlimited transfers within a 60-minute window. Since its inception, Transport for London (TfL) has recorded over one billion "hops," with regular users saving an estimated £1,500 over the last decade.
"This is about making the most of everything our capital has to offer," the Mayor said, noting that he intends to maintain the £1.75 price point throughout the season. "By freezing fares and introducing the Weekend Hopper, we are putting money back into the pockets of hardworking Londoners."
Key details of the offer
Dates: Every weekend from July 25 to August 31 (including Bank Holiday Monday).
Price: £1.75 for unlimited journeys on buses and trams for the entire day.
Eligibility: All passengers using contactless or Oyster pay-as-you-go.
Bonus Coverage: The fare will apply during the Notting Hill Carnival, one of the city's busiest periods.
Boosting summer culture
To promote the scheme, TfL has deployed three specially wrapped "hopping frog" buses on routes 23, 49, and 295. These routes serve as major arteries to cultural landmarks, including the Royal Albert Hall and the National Portrait Gallery.
The fare drop coincides with a massive summer itinerary for the capital, including:
Sports: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the London Athletics Meet.
Music: High-profile residencies at Wembley Stadium and The O2.
Dining: The return of the £400,000 "Summer Streets" fund to support al fresco dining and the pedestrianization of Oxford Street.
Economic impact
City Hall estimates that the Weekend Hopper could save a family of four up to £14 over a single weekend if making multiple trips. With 96% of London households living within 400 meters of a bus stop, the Mayor's office is positioning the bus network as the most inclusive and sustainable way to navigate the city’s summer heat.
The announcement reinforces the Mayor’s long-standing policy of keeping London’s transport fares among the lowest in the UK, following seven separate fare freezes since he took office.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “During 10 years as Mayor, I’ve been committed to keeping public transport as affordable as possible. This has included freezing bus and tram fares a record seven times. I am determined to continue to help Londoners with the cost-of-living crisis. My Hopper fare has enabled millions of people to enjoy cheaper bus travel. I know how expensive the summer holidays can be for families and my new Weekend Hopper - which is a whopper of a deal - will make it cheaper and easier for Londoners and visitors to enjoy all that our great city has to offer this summer. I know that buses and trams are a real lifeline for many Londoners, and I’m determined to keep them the most accessible and affordable mode of transport in the capital as we continue building a greener, fairer, better London for everyone.”
London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, said: “London’s buses and trams are vitally important to helping people all across London get around and visit friends, family, and the vast number of amazing places and events the city has to offer. The Hopper fare has helped revolutionise taking a bus or tram for many people over the last decade and we are delighted to be able to offer a Weekend Hopper fare this summer to further help make public transport affordable and convenient for all.”
Michelle Walker, London Area Director at Arts Council England, said: “The Weekend Hopper fare is a great initiative that will open up London’s extraordinary cultural life to even more residents and visitors. By making travel simpler and more affordable for Londoners, this initiative removes a real barrier to accessing the capital’s museums, theatres, galleries and live events. This is a welcome step that is sure to strengthen the bond between culture and community across London.”
Bernard Donoghue, Director at ALVA - The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, said: “This is a great initiative from the Mayor. More affordable transport opens up London, not least to Londoners themselves. I'm sure this will prompt more of us to discover the London beyond our neighbourhood and find new favourite places, destinations, attractions and green spaces.” Photo by DAVID HOLT from London, England, Wikimedia commons.
