Alex Challoner, a contender for London mayor, is backing rewards for tip-offs on repeat Tube fare dodgers with a 25% incentive on any money Transport for London recovers.
Here's what to know
According to The Evening Standard, the businessman and Conservative nomination hopeful wants people who help identify serial fare evaders to be financially rewarded through TfL collections that could cover unpaid fares, penalty fares, or compensation ordered by the courts.
As an example, Challoner cited a prosecution involving 181 unpaid trips in which a rider was ordered to pay over £2,100. Under his proposal, someone whose report led to that case could have received about £500.
Fare evasion costs TfL about £190 million each year.
"Every Londoner who taps in knows the feeling of watching someone barge through the barrier behind them," Challoner said, per the Standard. "They are paying for that person's journey, and under Sadiq Khan nothing ever happens."
More background
Challoner, who founded Cavendish Communications, entered the race as a late challenger. He previously served as campaign director for Steve Norris's 2000 London mayoral bid and also ran for the Conservative nomination in 2023, the newspaper reported.
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Former Home Secretary Sir James Cleverly is the front-runner for the Tory nomination to face Lord Sadiq Khan, or another Labour candidate if Khan does not stand in 2028, according to the Standard. Cleverly has already secured the backing of over half of London's Conservative councillors.
What's being done?
Challoner vowed to launch a huge Fare Watch publicity campaign to highlight how to report offenders.
Another key part of his pitch is policing at ticket barriers. When he launched his bid for the Conservative nomination, he called for police to be stationed at Underground gates to tackle fare evasion directly. TfL staff would also be trained to confront people suspected of dodging fares and to support officers posted at the gates.
Where can I learn more?
Here are some more public transit stories on fares, enforcement, and the rider experience.
• In New York City, officials pushed a subway fare increase despite rider frustration over rising costs.
• A public transit company imposed whopping fines for vaping after ending the previously allowed practice.
• In New York City, commuters praised ad-free subway cars as a calmer alternative.
• In Los Angeles, transit advocates argued the rail system lacks essentials for wider public use.
• At Mettupalayam station, officials enforced a strict plastic ban affecting what passengers can bring on board.
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