"Getty Images Access to free travel across the capital could be reduced after 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, is concerned about the rising expense for councils of delivering the scheme. It said no changes were currently planned, but one of the ideas that has been suggested was to limit free transport for over 66-year-olds to buses only."
"But the cost to London's councils of providing the Freedom Pass has risen significantly in recent years and it is expected to go up 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 to 224m a year."
London Councils is planning a review of the Older Person's Freedom Pass because delivering the scheme has become increasingly expensive for boroughs. One proposal would restrict free travel for those over 66 to buses only, potentially saving councils more than £100m a year. The Freedom Pass currently covers buses, the Tube, trams, DLR, London Overground, the Elizabeth line and most National Rail services. The scheme is funded by London's 32 boroughs and the City of London Corporation, while TfL funds the 60+ Oyster card until eligibility for the Freedom Pass. Costs are projected to rise from almost £333m in 2025-26 to about £372m in 2026-27, but bus-only coverage would reduce borough costs to £224m. London Councils attributes the increase to more journeys by pass-holders and fare rises, straining borough finances.
Read at www.bbc.com
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