Weekend Hopper fare cuts bus travel costs for London families until August 2026
Children under 11 ride free with a fare-paying adult on all TfL services across the capital
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Families in Havering and across London can now travel more affordably on buses and trams this summer, Transport for London announced. A new Weekend Hopper fare, priced at £1.75, allows unlimited journeys on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays until 31 August 2026.
The fare is available to all passengers, including those using contactless or Oyster cards. It follows an existing policy allowing each fare-paying adult to bring up to four children under 11 for free on any TfL service, including the Tube and Overground.
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Local routes connect Havering to attractions
More than 30 bus routes operate in Havering, offering access to local attractions. Route 86 connects residents to Stratford, a major shopping and transport hub. Route 247 provides direct access to a community farm and a forest walk, as reported by the Romford Recorder.
Emma Strain, customer director at Transport for London, said the initiative aims to help families explore the city without financial strain. She told the Romford Recorder that buses offer a unique way to experience London, connecting communities and uncovering new places.
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What happens next
The Weekend Hopper fare is available immediately and will remain in place until 31 August 2026. Residents can plan journeys using TfL’s website or the TfL Go app. Under-18s can apply for a Zip Card online, which provides free or discounted travel on buses, trams, and other services.
No further public consultation is required for the fare change, as it was introduced under TfL’s existing pricing framework. Families can begin using the new fare without additional registration.
At a time when household budgets are still feeling the strain, affordable travel matters. It gives families the chance to make the most of the summer without worrying so much about the cost of getting around.
Emma Strain, customer director at Transport for London
Questions this report answers
+How much does the Weekend Hopper fare cost?
The Weekend Hopper fare costs £1.75 and allows unlimited bus and tram journeys on weekends until 31 August 2026. It is available to all passengers using contactless or Oyster cards, making travel more affordable for families.
+Can children travel for free on London buses?
Yes, each fare-paying adult can take up to four children under 11 for free on all TfL services, including buses, trams, and the Tube. Under-18s can also travel free or at a discount with a Zip Card.
+Which bus routes serve Havering attractions?
Bus route 86 connects Havering to Stratford, while route 247 provides access to a community farm and a forest walk. More than 30 bus routes operate in the area, offering connections to local attractions.
+How long will the Weekend Hopper fare be available?
The Weekend Hopper fare will remain available until 31 August 2026. It covers unlimited bus and tram journeys on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays, supporting affordable summer travel.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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