Nearly 60,000 individuals have endorsed a petition opposing potential modifications to the Older Person’s Freedom Pass in London.
This pass permits residents aged 66 and older to enjoy free travel on various modes of transportation within the city, including buses, the Tube, trams, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, the Elizabeth Line, and the majority of National Rail services. Currently, the program represents an expense of approximately £333 million to London’s councils, a figure projected to increase.
Earlier this year, London Councils announced its intention to review the Older Person’s Freedom Pass. This organization, which represents the 32 boroughs and the City of London, suggested one possible change: restricting free travel for individuals over 66 to buses only.
The petition against this proposal characterized limiting the benefit to buses as “a significant detriment” to personal independence. It emphasized that “limiting access to trains and the Tube would effectively imprison many of us within our homes, rendering the rich and culturally diverse environment of London inaccessible.”
The petition highlighted concerns that the social isolation already faced by many seniors could worsen, making even simple activities and necessities a source of significant logistical challenges.
Funding for the Older Person’s Freedom Pass comes from London’s 32 boroughs and the City of London Corporation. The expenses associated with this initiative are expected to increase by nearly 12% in the upcoming fiscal year, rising from approximately £333 million in 2025-26 to around £372 million in 2026-27.
Documents from a meeting of the Transport and Environment Committee of London Councils in December indicated that restricting the Freedom Pass to bus travel could reduce the annual cost to councils by over £100 million. In contrast, most other regions in England have concessionary travel programs limited to bus services.
In addition to the Freedom Pass, Transport for London runs a separate initiative called the 60+ London Oyster card, which offers similar benefits to individuals over 60 until they qualify for the Freedom Pass.
London Councils stated that a variety of options will be explored later this year; however, any adjustments to the Older Person’s Freedom Pass would necessitate comprehensive public consultation and may require legislative amendments.
