Rising Fares and the Unemployed

As we step into the New Year, leaving behind the challenges of 2011, we are met with new obstacles—especially for those seeking employment opportunities in London. A significant hurdle is the recent increase in transport fares, which jumped by up to 11% as of January 2nd. These rising costs disproportionately affect young unemployed individuals striving to enhance their CVs through volunteering and internships.

The financial strain is palpable. For instance, before securing my current internship, daily travel expenses around London for interviews and volunteer work ranged from £8 to £15 for a travelcard covering Zones 1-5. With my jobseeker’s allowance reduced to about £35 weekly, due to my part-time work, travel expenses became a decisive factor in my ability to pursue unpaid opportunities.

The government’s advocacy for volunteering and internships as pathways to employment rings hollow when juxtaposed with the financial barriers imposed by high transport costs. The current discounted travel options, such as the 16-25 railcard, fail to support those interning during standard work hours, effectively incentivizing prolonged unemployment.

A more supportive measure would be the introduction of an “intern travel card,” available from day one for those engaged in volunteering, internships, or unpaid apprenticeships. This initiative could eliminate travel costs as a barrier to valuable work experience.

For now, many young people, including myself, must endure these fare increases. It’s crucial that policymakers and transport authorities assess whether their strategies genuinely facilitate mobility for young Londoners.

Have the increasing travel costs affected your ability to take on work experience in London or elsewhere in the UK? Share your thoughts on whether the government should do more to support interns and volunteers with travel expenses.