However the new card falls short of the Mayor’s election promise to “to extend the Freedom Pass to Londoners aged 60 years or older”.
The Freedom Pass is operated and majority funded by London’s local authorities via London Councils and although TfL provides some funding for it, they do not set the eligibility criteria.
The minimum age for receiving the Freedom Pass was increased under the last Government. The Pass can be used on national bus and rail services as well as TfL controlled services.
The new 60+ Concessionary Travel card is limited to TfL and National Rail services where TfL fares apply. Elsewhere on the network it can only be used after 0930 on weekdays but will be valid all day on weekends. The card cannot be used outside London.
Applicants will be charged £10 for their photocard and any required replacements.
Announcing the new scheme Mayor Johnson said: “Tens of thousands of Londoners were quite rightly incensed by the age escalator affecting the Freedom Pass, which meant their right to free travel was rapidly disappearing over the horizon.
“That is why I am very pleased to be able to set out plans for a new Oyster card that yanks this important concession back into place; and means Londoners who have reached three score years of age will have their right to free travel in our great city reinstated.”
Once pass holders reach the eligibility age for the Freedom Pass they will need to apply separately to London Councils.
