Thousands petition against Freedom Pass plan

Almost 60,000 people have signed a petition against possible changes to the Older Person's Freedom Pass in London.

The pass, which allows those aged 66 and over to travel free of charge on buses, the Tube, trams, DLR, London Overground, the Elizabeth line and most National Rail services in the capital, currently costs London's councils almost £333m - a number that is expected to rise.

At the start of the year, London Councils confirmed it was planning to carry out a review of the Older Person's Freedom Pass.

The body, which represents London's 32 boroughs and the City of London, said one of the ideas suggested was to limit free transport for over 66-year-olds to buses only.

A petition opposing this suggestion described limiting the perk to bus travel as "a significant blow" to people's independence.

"Restricting access to trains and the Tube would confine many of us to our homes, making London's vast and culturally diverse landscape inaccessible," the petition said.

"The social isolation that many seniors already battle could deepen, and life's simple joys and necessities could become major logistical challenges."

The Older Person's Freedom Pass is paid for by London's 32 boroughs and the City of London Corporation.

The cost of the scheme is expected to rise by almost 12% in the next financial year, from almost £333m in 2025-26 to around £372m in 2026-27.

Documents from London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee meeting from December showed that if the Freedom Pass were to only cover bus journeys in London it would lower the cost to London's councils of providing the scheme by more than £100m a year.

Concessionary travel schemes in most other areas of England only cover buses.

Separate to the Freedom Pass, Transport for London pays for another scheme called the 60+ London Oyster card that provides the same benefits for people over the age of 60, until they become eligible for the Freedom Pass.

London Councils said that a range of options would be considered later this year, but any changes to the Older Person's Freedom Pass scheme would require full public consultation and may require changes in legislation.

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said the Freedom Pass was "crucial for older Londoners" and alongside the capital's Labour councils, was committed to keeping eligibility and transport access the same.

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