Senior residents in London can enjoy complimentary travel on buses, the Tube, and other Transport for London (TfL) services during specific hours under two programs financed by TfL and London Councils. Nonetheless, there have been questions about the financial viability of these programs and their fairness.

TfL’s 60+ Oyster card allows for free travel on its services after 09:00 on weekdays and throughout the day on weekends and public holidays.

For most National Rail services, complimentary travel is available after 09:30 on weekdays and is unlimited on weekends.

Once residents reach the age of 66, they are eligible for the Freedom Pass, funded by London Councils, which shares the same time restrictions as the 60+ Oyster card.

A heated debate arose on social media involving television host Kirstie Allsopp and author Michael Rosen regarding the Freedom Pass.

Rosen, who is 79, mentioned on platform X that he was having difficulty renewing his Freedom Pass, which prompted Allsopp, 52, to argue that “people taking things they did not need” were contributing to the country’s financial troubles.

In her response, she commented: “A writer so successful that schools across the nation are dedicating a day to him believes it’s fair for him to travel for free simply because of his age.”

She concluded: “Accepting complimentary travel is unethical.”

Her remarks ignited broader discussions among Londoners, with many voicing their support for the passes as essential benefits for seniors who have contributed taxes over many years.

The Freedom Pass, provided by London Councils, allows residents over the age of 66 to travel for free on buses, the Tube, trams, DLR, London Overground, and the majority of National Rail services within London.

According to London Councils, which represents all 32 boroughs and the City of London, the cost of the pass was £291.5 million for the financial year 2024/25, an increase from £226.6 million in the previous year.

A representative from London Councils stated, “We are closely monitoring the expenses associated with the program, especially considering the financial strain facing local government in London. Boroughs are collectively looking at a funding gap of £1 billion this year.”

They also mentioned that an investigation was underway regarding the issue Rosen faced in renewing his Freedom Pass, but they were “happy to announce that his new pass will be sent out shortly.”

For individuals with qualifying disabilities—like blindness, severe hearing loss, or significant mobility challenges—there is an alternative Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass.

The 60+ Oyster Card is a separate initiative launched by TfL in 2012 for London residents aged 60 and older who are not yet eligible for a Freedom Pass.

This card offers free travel on the same London services, along with discounts on river services and the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

When cardholders turn 66, their 60+ Oyster card is automatically replaced by a Freedom Pass.

They receive a letter requesting confirmation of their name and address, and once verified, the new pass is issued without the need for a new application.

There are certain restrictions concerning peak usage during weekday mornings.

Projected costs for the 60+ Oyster card are expected to reach £135 million this year, increasing to an estimated £185 million by 2027, according to TfL data.

BBC London interviewed residents in Uxbridge to gather their opinions about the travel passes.

Jude, a resident of Ealing, emphasized that the Freedom Pass was a vital resource for their late parents, who utilized it extensively.

“They worked hard throughout their lives. It’s not ‘free’ to begin with,” they pointed out. “Individuals over 60 have toiled diligently and paid their taxes, and they continue to do so.

“To associate the Freedom Pass with issues that are bankrupting the nation is utterly absurd.”

Cathy, from Tooting, noted that Allsopp’s argument was not about eliminating the Freedom Passes, but rather about the idea that “wealthy retirees shouldn’t be accessing the benefit.”

Julie, a resident of Balham, expressed her belief that she merited her Freedom Pass.

“At 66 years, still employed, having worked since I was 15 and continually paying council tax,” she remarked. “I do not resent anyone receiving this pass, regardless of their wealth or pension status.”