The Mayor announced plans for the new card in June and has today revealed that passengers would be able to use the card from November 1st.
TfL is seeking to present the introduction of the new Oyster as a fulfilment of the Mayor’s election promise “to extend the Freedom Pass to Londoners aged 60 years or older” after the last Government increased the minimum eligibility age.
However the new card is separate to the Freedom Pass scheme which is operated and majority funded by London’s local authorities via London Councils.
The new Transport for London pass will be accepted on TfL services at all times but holders will only be able to use it on selected national rail services operating within London.
Unlike the Freedom Pass, the new pass will not entitle holders to free bus travel outside the capital.
Once passengers reach the eligibility age for the Freedom Pass, currently 61, they will need to apply to London Councils for a new card.
Applications for the 60+ Oyster card can be made online at www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets and are subject to a £10 charge.
Announcing the scheme’s start date, Mayor Johnson said: “I promised to restore this right to travel for free on the capital’s transport network for every Londoner from their 60th birthday. From November, this will be the case when hundreds of thousands of people will be armed with their 60+ London Oyster card, enjoying all our great city can offer.”
