A flagship travel concession used by nearly 400,000 older Londoners is under intense scrutiny and could be scrapped or severely restricted, a review has indicated.
The Perk Under Pressure
The Freedom Pass, which grants free travel across London's transport network to those of state pension age, is facing potential reform. Introduced in 1973, the pass is a key benefit for residents aged 66 and over, but its future is now uncertain. A review is considering limiting its use to bus services only, while some critics are demanding it be abolished entirely.
The pass is funded by London's boroughs and administered by Transport for London (TfL). For the first time this year, TfL will also charge London Councils £1.50 for each Oyster card that hosts the Freedom Pass benefit, adding to the financial strain.
A 'Ticking Time Bomb' for Council Budgets
Alexander Ehmann, a Liberal Democrat councillor in Richmond and member of the transport and environment committee, issued a stark warning. He described "the cost of the Freedom Pass [as] a ticking time bomb for London local authorities."
He highlighted that spiralling costs coincide with deep funding cuts to councils, referencing £30 million-plus in-year cuts facing Richmond as part of government reforms. "Within a handful of years, the bill for London local authorities will be an unsustainable half a billion pounds," Ehmann stated, calling for urgent government financial support.
Calls for Scrapping the 'Unfair' Benefit
Commentator James Baxter Derrington, writing for the Telegraph, argued forcefully for ending the perk. He claimed it forces taxpayers and fare-paying passengers to subsidise a benefit for a group that may not need financial help.
"This is not provided out of the goodness of the operating companies’ hearts. It is the rest of us who are forced to foot this bill through increased taxes and higher ticket prices," he wrote. Derrington defended his position against anticipated criticism, saying, "I make this point for precisely the reason that I hope to reach my seventies, and would very much like a state pension still to exist by that time."
Despite the controversy, a TfL spokesman said last year: "We regularly review our range of concessions to ensure that they continue to benefit Londoners, while also remaining affordable for TfL to operate. There are no plans to discontinue the 60+ Oyster photocard." The outcome of the current review, however, remains pending.
