No charge for under-11s on Tube

The mayor wants more children to use the Tube

Children can now travel free on the Tube network at off-peak times as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone has already introduced free bus travel for under-16s as part of a drive to get youngsters using public transport.

From Sunday, up to four under-11s per adult can use the Tube at no cost on weekends, public holidays and after 0930 on weekdays.

London's Conservatives argue everyone should be able to travel more cheaply.

'Enjoy London'

Mr Livingstone said: "Today is a big day for public transport in London, with tube and DLR fares abolished for under-11s.

"For the first time Tube and DLR journeys are free for children under 11, and I hope that London families will take advantage of free public transport for kids this Sunday and in the future to get out and about and enjoy London.

"Combined with the retention of the Freedom Pass for older Londoners, free tube and DLR travel for children adds up to a radical fares policy on London's public transport system."

But Roger Evans, the Conservative's spokesman for transport on the London Assembly, said the different types of concessions were "confusing".

He said: "It would be much simpler if Ken Livingstone cut out these bureaucratic schemes and just offered low fares for everyone."