THE poorest will be hit hardest by an average 4.6 per cent hike in London Tube and rail fares starting on Sunday, campaigners have warned.

Pearl Ahrens of Fare Free London said: “The government has forced the mayor’s hand by making future transport funding conditional on these fare increases.

“Instead of endless fare increases, the solution is a drastic shift in the way the system is paid for.

“Instead of putting the burden on low-income households, we should move in the opposite direction – towards a zero-fares system such as is used successfully in Luxembourg, in several French cities and in more than 100 municipalities in Brazil.”

Fare Free London was set up last year to advocate free public transport in the capital.

The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain and Doctors in Unite have joined the RMT London transport regional council, and other community and campaign groups, to support it. 

Transport for London was contacted for comment.