The availability of complimentary transportation throughout the capital might be limited after London Councils announced it would undertake a review of the Older Person’s Freedom Pass.

This organization, representing the 32 boroughs of London and the City of London, is worried about the climbing costs associated with administering the program.

Currently, no modifications are set to occur, but one of the proposals under consideration involves restricting free travel for individuals aged over 66 to buses only. Implementing this change could potentially save London’s councils over £100 million annually.

The Freedom Pass permits those over 66 to travel free on buses, the Tube, trams, DLR, London Overground, the Elizabeth line, as well as most National Rail services across the capital.

The funding for the Older Person’s Freedom Pass comes from London’s 32 boroughs and the City of London Corporation.

Meanwhile, Transport for London (TfL) funds another program, the 60+ London Oyster card, which offers similar privileges to those over 60 until they qualify for the Freedom Pass.

However, the burden on London’s councils for funding the Freedom Pass has surged dramatically recently, with projections indicating an almost 12% rise in the next financial year—from nearly £333 million for 2025-26 to about £372 million for 2026-27.

Documents from a December meeting of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee indicated that confining the Freedom Pass to bus travel could reduce the annual expense for councils to £224 million.

Stephen Boon, the chief operating officer of London Councils, explained to BBC London that the growing costs of the program stem from “an increase in journeys taken by Freedom Pass holders and rising fares,” which is raising alarms among councils, particularly as local finances are facing significant strain.

“As a concessionary travel program, the Freedom Pass offers more benefits than similar schemes in other regions,” Boon stated. “This is due to its coverage of all types of public transport in the capital, unlike most other English areas where only buses are included.”

Officials mentioned that limiting the scheme to bus travel is merely one illustrative option for cost savings, with other alternatives also being evaluated.

Additionally, another element contributing to the rising costs is that TfL has started charging London Councils for the physical Oyster cards used with the Freedom Pass.

For the 2026-27 financial year, London Councils has agreed to pay £581,000 for these cards, an increase from £465,000 in the prior year.

A Reuters representative defended this adjustment, pointing out: “For years, TfL covered the expense of printing the Freedom Pass card, whereas in other regions, this is typically the responsibility of local authorities. A previous agreement with London Councils stipulated that this cost would be included in their annual contributions to the program.”

Debate has persisted regarding the potential means-testing or elimination of free travel for older residents in London.

In November, this topic ignited a social media frenzy when TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp criticized children’s author Michael Rosen for holding a Freedom Pass, arguing that “people taking advantages they don’t need” is “draining the country’s resources.”

Her remarks triggered broader conversations among Londoners, with many voicing support for the passes as an essential benefit for seniors who have contributed to taxes for many years.

London Councils stated that various proposals will be reviewed later this year, emphasizing that any alterations to the scheme would necessitate comprehensive public consultation to fully evaluate their impact prior to any decisions being finalized, potentially requiring legislative adjustments.