The free bus pass age has been reduced from 67 to 60 in London, thanks to the 'Freedom Pass'. In England, you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age. However, if you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes, and other transport when you're 60, but only within the capital.
London Councils Scraps Review Proposals
London Councils has announced that it has scrapped proposals to review the Freedom Pass. This follows a campaign by Age UK London and a petition signed by tens of thousands of people urging London Councils to commit to keeping the pass.
Campaign Success
John McGeachy from Age UK London stated that older people rely on the pass every day and that the overwhelming response to their open letter shows how vital this support is. He added: "We are pleased to see that London Councils Labour Group backed by the Mayor have blocked the threat to the Freedom Pass, but this doesn't mean the review will go away. It's a shame that this could not have happened before London Councils mooted that a review would happen, starting a tidal wave of concern and anxiety for thousands of older Londoners for whom the Freedom Pass is a lifeline."
With a council election approaching, London councillors will want to tread carefully on this issue. However, it is suspected that this is not going away and that the Freedom Pass will continue to be scrutinised. McGeachy concluded: "We know older Londoners will continue to stand up to any changes being made whether it's now or in the months and years to come."
Official Statement
A London Councils spokesperson confirmed: "No changes are planned to the Freedom Pass. The provision and scope of the Freedom Pass are set out in national legislation. All 32 London boroughs and the City of London Corporation fund and deliver the Freedom Pass scheme which enables London residents over the age of 66 to travel free on all public transport modes in the capital."
