London transport: Campaign launched against fare increases

Labour London mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone has begun a leaflet campaign against transport fare rises.

The average fare has risen by 5.6% this year with Tube, bus, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, boats and Tram services affected.

Mr Livingstone said: "This is the wrong fare rise at the wrong time."

But London Mayor Boris Johnson's spokesman said: "The mayor has kept fares in the capital lower than anywhere else in the country."

'Painful' hikes

More than 500,000 leaflets were being delivered to Londoners as part of Mr Livingstone's "fare deal" campaign.

Ken Livingstone launched his campaign at London Bridge station

The Labour mayoral candidate has pledged to return fares to 2011 levels if he becomes London mayor following May' s elections.

Mr Livingstone said: "Before millions of Londoners even arrive at work this morning they will have felt the pain of a fourth year of above inflation bus, Tube and train fare hikes under Boris Johnson."

But Mr Johnson said: "The fare cuts being suggested by the former mayor would devastate local bus services and seriously undermine the vital improvements needed to deliver a safe and reliable Tube fit for the 21st Century."

Transport for London (TfL) said the rise was to ensure transport upgrades and front-line services were protected.