Passengers using public transport in London face an average hike in fares of 5.9% from March 5 under proposals announced by mayor Sadiq Khan. The plan means the weekly cap for using buses and trams in the capital is set to increase by £1.40 to £24.70. London Underground passengers will see the weekly cap for travel in zones one and three rise by £3 to £48. The average … [Read more...] about Tube and London bus fares to rise by nearly 6% from March
Transport
Win A Copy of London Black Cab Drivers’ Memoir
Last month we posted an excerpt from David Styles' memory of the London Black Taxi trade, Everyone is Entitled to My Opinion: A Journey Around a Cabbie's Capital. You can read it here. This month we've got TWO copies to giveaway to two lucky Londontopia readers! To enter, simply fill in the form below and agree to sign-up for email updates from Londontopia (we put out a … [Read more...] about Win A Copy of London Black Cab Drivers’ Memoir
Heathrow records biggest increase in passengers of any European airport
Heathrow said it recorded the largest increase in passengers of any European airport last year. The west London airport was used by 61.6 million passengers in 2022, up 42.2 million compared with 2021. It experienced a surge in passenger numbers after the UK scrapped all coronavirus travel restrictions in March last year, after having some of Europe’s toughest rules in … [Read more...] about Heathrow records biggest increase in passengers of any European airport
Ten American Cities with Direct Flights to London
Is there anything more annoying about air travel than a layover? Okay, maybe bad food, crying babies, terrible in-flight movies, or that one other passenger that causes so much trouble they have to get duct taped to a seat. But anyway, layovers can still be pretty annoying especially when you need to fly an incredibly long distance like, say, to London. Fortunately for you, … [Read more...] about Ten American Cities with Direct Flights to London
What is Crossrail 2 and What is Its Current Status?
With the launching of Crossrail, aka the Elizabeth Line this past summer, the discussion in London mass transit now turns to Crossrail 2. You might be wondering what exactly this means and how is this any different from the new Elizabeth Line? Well, the first Crossrail line was only one solution to London’s congested roads and Underground lines and Crossrail 2 is the next … [Read more...] about What is Crossrail 2 and What is Its Current Status?
Guest Post: From a London Cabbie – The lost property conundrum
Editor's Note: The following is an excerpt from a new memoir written by London Cabbie David Styles, where he chronicles interesting stories as he worked London's streets. He has kindly provided Londontopia an excerpt. The book is available on Amazon and most other bookstores. The lost property conundrum: Although today mobiles seem to be the most common property left in … [Read more...] about Guest Post: From a London Cabbie – The lost property conundrum
Heathrow doing ‘everything we can’ to protect flights on strike days
Heathrow has announced it is doing “everything we can” to ensure no flights are canceled due to Border Force strikes. It is one of six UK airports where Border Force workers will walk out from December 23. There are fears that delays in checking the passports of arriving passengers could lead to long queues and even people being held on planes, disrupting subsequent … [Read more...] about Heathrow doing ‘everything we can’ to protect flights on strike days
Heathrow Express Decorates for Christmas
Heathrow Express, the express train that runs from Heathrow to Paddington in fifteen minutes, has gotten into the Christmas spirit. From the press release: Between 5th - 7th December, those lucky enough to be traveling in the Christmas carriage can experience a joyful journey. Christmas postal elves will guide people along the platform to the carriage, where twinkling … [Read more...] about Heathrow Express Decorates for Christmas
Merry Strikemas: Flights will be disrupted at Heathrow as workers confirm strike in pay row
Ground handlers employed by a private contractor at Heathrow Airport are to strike in a row over pay. Around 350 members of Unite working for Menzies will walk out for 72 hours from 4am on Friday December 16. The action will lead to some flight disruption, the union said. “Menzies needs to have a long hard look at itself. This is a highly lucrative company, which … [Read more...] about Merry Strikemas: Flights will be disrupted at Heathrow as workers confirm strike in pay row
Travel Alert: Eurostar security staff announce pre-Christmas strikes
Security staff on Eurostar are to strike for four days next month in a dispute over pay. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union employed by a private contractor will walk out on December 16, 18, 22 and 23 after voting 4-1 in favor of industrial action. The RMT said the strike will “severely affect” Eurostar services and travel plans for people over the … [Read more...] about Travel Alert: Eurostar security staff announce pre-Christmas strikes
Waterloo reclaims title of Britain’s busiest railway station
London Waterloo has regained its status as Britain’s most frequently used railway station. The Office of Rail and Road said the station was used by an estimated 41.4 million passengers in the 12 months to the end of March. Today we reveal the stations with the most entries and exits in Great Britain. @LondonWaterloo reclaims the top spot with 41.4 million from April 2021 … [Read more...] about Waterloo reclaims title of Britain’s busiest railway station
Virgin Atlantic boss says Heathrow expansion will be ‘difficult’ to support
The Heathrow expansion will be “difficult” to support unless regulation of the airport is overhauled, the boss of Virgin Atlantic has warned. Chief executive Shai Weiss said the west London airport must be “priced fairly and open to competition”. Heathrow is continuing to develop its plan to build a third runway, which was delayed by legal challenges and the coronavirus … [Read more...] about Virgin Atlantic boss says Heathrow expansion will be ‘difficult’ to support
London Alert: Strike by London Underground workers to go ahead after last-minute talks fail
A strike by London Underground workers will go ahead on Thursday after last-minute talks failed to resolve a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said Transport for London (TfL) had refused its offer to suspend strike action. The union said it asked TfL to pause job cuts and detrimental pension changes to give both sides the … [Read more...] about London Alert: Strike by London Underground workers to go ahead after last-minute talks fail
The Fiver – Five Unusual Transportation Methods in London
Getting around London can be a hassle for many, especially if you traverse the city by car. This is why many turn to public transport, including busses, cabs, ride share, Boris Bikes, and the London Underground to move about. However, these are not the only ways to get around, and there are means of transportation available that you may never have considered. We’re going to … [Read more...] about The Fiver – Five Unusual Transportation Methods in London
London Mayor hails Elizabeth line as direct routes and Sunday services begin
Sadiq Khan has hailed the “huge success” of the Elizabeth Line as Sunday services and more direct routes were opened. The Mayor of London joined transport leaders to ride the £19 billion railway from Stratford to Paddington on Sunday morning. The trip marked the opening of direct routes across the line as well as a seven-day service for the first time since the line … [Read more...] about London Mayor hails Elizabeth line as direct routes and Sunday services begin
Elizabeth line fully opens and offers more direct journeys
The £19 billion Elizabeth line railway will open seven days a week and offer more direct journeys from today. Services in the tunnels across London have previously been suspended almost every Sunday since the line opened on May 24 to allow more testing to take place. The line stretches from Reading in Berkshire and Heathrow Airport in west London to Abbey Wood in … [Read more...] about Elizabeth line fully opens and offers more direct journeys
Ten Interesting Facts about the M25 Motorway
Sometimes referred to as “The World’s Biggest Carpark” by Londoners, the M25 is a major ring road that encircles the capital city of the United Kingdom. It was part of the plan for London after World War II to ease traffic congestion and now forms a de facto border for Greater London. You might not think that there are many interesting things to learn about a really long … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about the M25 Motorway
Heathrow passenger numbers ‘will take years to return to pre-pandemic levels,’ ends passenger cap
It will take years for Heathrow to get back to carrying as many passengers as before the pandemic, bosses have revealed. The UK’s largest airport is expected to carry between 60 million and 62 million passengers this year. It is a quarter fewer than 2019 – the year before Covid-19 hit the global economy. This summer, airlines and airports faced major problems as they … [Read more...] about Heathrow passenger numbers ‘will take years to return to pre-pandemic levels,’ ends passenger cap
Final preparations underway for opening of Bond Street’s Elizabeth line station
Final preparations are underway for the delayed opening of the Elizabeth line station in Bond Street, central London. Trial evacuations, testing of fire control systems, and extensive security checks are taking place ahead of the station opening next Monday. Under initial plans for the east-west railway, Bond Street was due to open with all the other stations in December … [Read more...] about Final preparations underway for opening of Bond Street’s Elizabeth line station
Hidden London Tours of Abandoned Tube Stations Return
I've done several of these tours, and I can highly recommend them. Hidden London have announced a new schedule, and you can see all the details below. I would recommend booking as soon as possible as the tours often fill up quickly! London Transport Museum’s new season of award-winning Hidden London tours is now on sale, offering privileged access to parts of the … [Read more...] about Hidden London Tours of Abandoned Tube Stations Return
Heathrow regains status as Europe’s busiest airport
Heathrow has regained its status as Europe’s busiest airport. The west London airport said it was used by more passengers between July and September than rivals in cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Madrid. A year ago, Heathrow blamed the UK’s comparatively strict coronavirus travel rules for it being just the 10th busiest airport in Europe, after being number … [Read more...] about Heathrow regains status as Europe’s busiest airport
Transport for London adds electric bikes to hire scheme
Electric bikes have been added to Transport for London’s (TfL) cycle hire scheme. The capital’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, said it is a “momentous moment for cycling” in the capital. TfL has made 500 e-bikes available to hire from 800 Santander Cycles docking stations. They cost £3.30 per 30-minute ride – twice the price of standard bikes. Mr. Khan said: “I am delighted … [Read more...] about Transport for London adds electric bikes to hire scheme
Elizabeth line’s Bond Street station to finally open October 24th
Bond Street station on London’s Elizabeth line will open on Monday, October 24, Transport for London (TfL) has announced. The new railway began running in May, but trains have not called at Bond Street due to delays completing the station. The opening of Bond Street – which is subject to “final approvals” – is expected to ease congestion at nearby Oxford Circus Tube … [Read more...] about Elizabeth line’s Bond Street station to finally open October 24th
Transport for London boss American Andy Byford quits after funding deal secured
Transport for London (TfL) boss Andy Byford will leave the organization at the end of October. The organization said Mr. Byford – who became transport commissioner in June 2020 – will “resume life in the United States” and is “closing out a 33-year public service career”. TfL’s chief operating officer Andy Lord will take on the role of commissioner on an interim … [Read more...] about Transport for London boss American Andy Byford quits after funding deal secured
Three Tube stations to close before Queen’s funeral to avoid overcrowding
Three central London Tube stations will be closed on the morning of the Queen’s funeral to prevent overcrowding. Transport for London (TfL) announced that passengers will be prevented from starting or ending journeys at Westminster, St James’s Park and Hyde Park Corner stations for “most of the morning” on Monday. The transport body said it “will aim to reopen stations” … [Read more...] about Three Tube stations to close before Queen’s funeral to avoid overcrowding
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!