The hospitality sector responds to the Mayor's plans for off-peak travel on Fridays.
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Sadiq Khan has announced that all tube fares on Fridays will be cheaper in a bid to draw commuters back to central London.
The Mayor hopes the measure will incentivise people to return to the office and boost business for the capital’s hospitality sector.
London businesses are hopeful that the change will encourage more custom on a Friday.
Jerry Cochlan, barman at The Castle Farringdon, said Fridays have not been the same since the pandemic. His business relies on “private party bookings” to boost trade.
Local businesses hope cheap Friday travel will encourage more customers.
TfL has reported that Friday tube usage is down to 73 percent, compared to the 85 per cent usage midweek.
The move forms part of the Mayor of London’s wider plan to ‘revitalise Fridays’. He said “London has really bounced back since the pandemic, but the lack of commuters returning on Fridays is a clear exception – with a major knock-on effect on our shops, cafes and cultural venues.”
Café owner Danny Fiori said “people working from home” are to blame for poor business, “I could actually close on a Friday, it’s that bad sometimes”. He doubts the measure will make a real difference.
Sadiq Khan says the measure will boost Friday trade for the hospitality industry.
Commuting from Zone 6 into Zone 1 on the Tube at peak times usually costs £5.60. Under the proposed measures, the same route would cost £3.60.
The three-month trial is set to begin in March.
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HeadlineLondon businesses respond to Mayor’s off-peak Travel Plans
Short HeadlineBusinesses respond to Khan's off-peak Fridays
StandfirstThe Mayor hopes the measure will boost trade for the capital’s hospitality sector.
Sadiq Khan has announced that all tube fares on Fridays will be cheaper in a bid to draw commuters back to central London.
The Mayor hopes the measure will incentivise people to return to the office and boost business for the capital’s hospitality sector.
London businesses are hopeful that the change will encourage more custom on a Friday.
Jerry Cochlan, barman at The Castle Farringdon, said Fridays have not been the same since the pandemic. His business relies on “private party bookings” to boost trade.
Local businesses hope cheap Friday travel will encourage more customers.
TfL has reported that Friday tube usage is down to 73 percent, compared to the 85 per cent usage midweek.
The move forms part of the Mayor of London’s wider plan to ‘revitalise Fridays’. He said “London has really bounced back since the pandemic, but the lack of commuters returning on Fridays is a clear exception – with a major knock-on effect on our shops, cafes and cultural venues.”
Café owner Danny Fiori said “people working from home” are to blame for poor business, “I could actually close on a Friday, it’s that bad sometimes”. He doubts the measure will make a real difference.
Sadiq Khan says the measure will boost Friday trade for the hospitality industry.
Commuting from Zone 6 into Zone 1 on the Tube at peak times usually costs £5.60. Under the proposed measures, the same route would cost £3.60.
