From March 31st old-style Freedom Passes will no longer swipe
To ensure those who have yet to apply or may not receive their new passes in time can still travel, London Councils has agreed with Transport for London and train operators a two-month extension. However the expired cards will no longer ‘swipe’ and will need to be shown to ticket inspectors and drivers.
Those who have yet to apply for a new-style pass are being encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Application forms can obtained from most post offices.
London Councils says it is sending out up to 40,000 passes a day and anticipates that all holders who have already applied should receive their passes before 31st March.
When I went to the popst office today (I have been away for the last three months), I asked the assistant what happens if I do not receive the new Freedom Pass in time. She said, I could do nothing about it. She clearly did not know about the two month extension.
Gerry Popplestone
My wife and I applied for our new passes back in early January. At the Post Office, where the forms and photos were handed-in and checked, we were told the passes would be with us in ten working days.
Early in March we were contacted and asked for new photos as the ones submitted had been lost. We duly obliged.
Today is April 7th. We still have not received the passes that we applied for in January.
What a shambolic service.