London extends free bus travel and fare freezes until 2026 after tunnel boom

Transport for London (TfL) has extended key cost-saving measures for travellers using cross-river services. Free bus travel on three major routes will continue until May 2026, while bus and tram fares remain frozen across the network. The changes come as usage surges following the opening of the Silvertown Tunnel.

The free-fare scheme for the SL4, 108, and 129 bus routes was originally set to last one year. Now, passengers will pay nothing until Tuesday 26 May 2026. These routes alone now carry over 32,000 daily journeys—up from around 10,400 cross-river bus trips before the tunnel opened.

Data from 2025 shows the three free lines have gained roughly 1.2 million extra passengers annually since the tunnel's launch. Meanwhile, cross-river DLR trips between certain stations will also be refunded until the same date.

The Mayor has also frozen all bus and tram fares until 5 July 2026 as part of an emergency cost-of-living response. However, Tube and TfL Rail fares will rise from 1 March 2026. The cycle shuttle through the Silvertown Tunnel will stay free indefinitely.

The extensions aim to ease financial pressure on regular commuters while managing increased demand. With bus usage climbing sharply, the measures provide short-term relief for thousands of daily travellers. TfL has not announced further changes beyond the current deadlines.