Kingston commuters face eight percent transport price hike

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has revealed that transport fares in and around the capital will rise by up to eight percent in 2012.

Johnson admitted that the rise would be "difficult" for commuters, but said the extra cash is needed for transport improvements in the run-up to the Olympics.

Kingston residents regularly commuting into central London will face a 7.9 percent increase on a 7-Day ticket, which will rise from £50.40 to £54.40. A One Day Anytime Travelcard for zones 1-6 will cost £16.

Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, said: "This is the fourth year of fare misery that Londoners will face under Boris Johnson.

"[He] has failed to take effective action to tackle fare evasion or cut waste which is widespread through TfL. If the Mayor got on top of these issues there would be no need for such severe fare rises."

However, Boris Johnson says he has faced little choice in implementing the rises.

"I understand that any increase in tough times is difficult. This is a package that has sought to balance the needs of today's passengers while ensuring we continue apace with plans to overhaul London's transport system in the face of unprecedented demand."