London's vast public transport network, a lifeline for millions, is poised for a significant transformation in 2026. While the Underground enjoys an 86% approval rating from locals, Transport for London (TfL) is pushing forward with a series of major upgrades, new services, and regulatory changes designed to modernise how we navigate the capital.
Fare Changes and Essential Works
The new year brings immediate financial adjustments for travellers. The congestion charge rose to £18 per day on January 2, marking the first increase since 2020 and ending the full discount for electric vehicles. This will be in force from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and 12pm to 6pm at weekends.
Further cost increases follow in March, with Tube and train fares set to rise by an average of 5.8%. This will see a peak single journey from Zone 1 to Zone 2 increase from £3.50 to £3.70.
Passengers must also prepare for essential engineering works. The Northern line's Bank branch between Camden Town and Kennington will close every Monday to Thursday after 10pm from January 12 until late May. On the Piccadilly line, Southgate station is exit-only until mid-March, while Baron's Court faces lengthy platform closures throughout much of the year.
New Vehicles and Futuristic Services
2026 will see the arrival of cutting-edge technology on London's streets. Waymo has confirmed its self-driving Jaguar I-Pace vehicles will begin extensive trials in 20 London boroughs. Meanwhile, Chinese AI firm Baidu plans to test its own driverless cars in collaboration with Uber and Lyft, pending regulatory approval.
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is continuing the rollout of its entirely new fleet, with the older trains due to be fully replaced by year's end. The modern carriages feature air conditioning, walk-through design, charging points, and 10% more capacity.
Long-awaited new trains for the Piccadilly line are now expected in the second half of 2026. These will also be air-conditioned, walk-through models with increased capacity, double doorways, and real-time information displays.
Buses, Bikes and Pedestrian Priorities
TfL's Superloop network of express bus routes in outer London is expanding. The SL11 will launch early in the year, replacing the 472 between North Greenwich and Abbey Wood, followed later by the SL12 connecting Gants Hill and Rainham.
Cycling receives a boost with a new north London route planned between Palmers Green and New Southgate, featuring segregated lanes on busy roads. Furthermore, the Santander Cycles e-bike scheme is set for a major upgrade, including a new app, QR code release system, and the UK's first in-dock charging network to ensure bikes are always powered.
In a landmark change for central London, delivery of the permanent pedestrianisation scheme for Oxford Street could begin in the second half of 2026, focusing initially on diverting existing bus and traffic routes. Additionally, new regulations for pedicabs, including annual inspections and a ban on speakers, are hoped to be enforced early in the year.
