Retirement-aged Londoners get free Tube travel... but that might be about to change.
The Older Person's Freedom Pass, currently issued to London residents aged 66 and over, is a lifeline for many. It allows free travel on London buses, the Tube, DLR, Elizabeth line, trams, Overground and many local rail services — as well as on local buses elsewhere in England. Every resident Londoner is entitled to one, with no means testing.
The scheme is one of the great benefits of London life, but it's also very costly — and rising. As the Independent reports, the scheme currently costs London's councils £333 million to administer, expected to rise 12% to £372 million in the next financial year.
London Councils, which represents the capital's 33 local authorities, is now looking at ways to reduce the financial burden. It could spell big changes to the Freedom Pass.
One suggestion is that the Pass might be restricted to buses only, in line with similar schemes elsewhere in England. This could save up to £100 million per year.
London does have an exceptional bus network, with around 675 routes covering every corner of the capital. But to prevent people using their passes on much speedier services, such as the Tube and trains, would be a big blow to many.
Such a change could have a big impact on the wellbeing and mental health of elderly people, who rely on the Pass to see friends, attend medical appointments, and generally make the most of life after decades of hard work. It could also have an impact on London's cultural sector, with knock-on economic effects. Many daytime events, tours and other activities are frequented by those of retirement age. With fewer travelling, these activities may thin out.
A bus-only Freedom Pass isn't the only option. London Councils is also likely to look at the idea of means-testing the Pass, or imposing a small, annual, one-off fee. No changes to the Disabled Person's Freedom Pass are expected.
Meanwhile, a petition has opened, calling for the full Pass scheme to be retained. It can be signed here.
