Freedom Pass holders needing to replace a lost or damaged pass after 1st November will face a £10 charge, scheme operators London Councils have said.
The body, which represents the capital’s 33 boroughs, says 83,000 passes were replaced free of charge last year, adding to the scheme’s overheads. The proceeds from the new charge will be used to offset around £435,000 in current administration costs.
It’s predicted that 20,000 fewer replacement cards will be requested over the next 12 months.
Nick Lester, London Councils’ Corporate Director of Services, said: “Freedom Passes are very valuable to older and disabled Londoners and we want to encourage holders to look after them.
“Many of the Freedom Passes turn up after they have been reported lost but cannot be used again as they have been cancelled and a new one issued.”
Mr Lester defended the new charge, which will be reviewed next autumn, saying it was “in line with Transport for London’s £10 charge for replacement passes including the new 60+ London Oyster photocard and is less than some other English transport authorities charge.”
