Everything you need to know about London’s new bus hopper ticket

It's rare to get good news about the price of transport in London, but it seems like we might have some in the form of the newly-announced 'Hopper' ticket for the capital's bus journeys.

So let's cut to the chase and give you the deets:

What is it?

It's a new ticket which allows passengers to change onto another bus (or tram) for free within 60 minutes of touching in for their first journey. The number of different journeys allowed is unlimited - as long as they all occur within an hour.

How much does it cost?

The fare will be £1.50, and it will be automatically given to those to use Pay As You Go with Oyster, or contactless payment cards.

When does it start?

The Hopper ticket is available from 12 September.

What if I use the tube between my two, or more, bus journeys?

Currently, this is not allowed under the Hopper ticket - you'll be charged for each of the separate bus journeys. However, Transport for London (TfL) say that by 2018 technology will be in place for people who travel on a Tube or train between their two bus or tram journeys to benefit from the change.

Why is the ticket being introduced?

The London mayor said, "Fares in London have risen for eight years in a row – and for people who have to change buses to get to work, the system simply isn’t fair. 

"The new ‘Hopper’ ticket means 30 million bus journeys every year will now become free – journeys that currently cost people £1.50.

"Alongside our commitment to freeze all TfL fares, the start of the Hopper next Monday is a key part of our plans to make it more affordable to live and work in London."

(Images: iStock/Rex)