The freedom pass for older people gives free travel on most public transport in London after 9.00am Monday to Friday (9.30am on most National Rail services within the London area), and all day at weekends and on public holidays. This pass may also be used to travel on local bus services in the rest of England under the terms of the Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007.
Who is eligible
To be eligible for an older persons bus pass the applicant must be both:
- resident in the borough
- over the age of 60.
How to access the service
Passes are available from the local post office. The person applying for the bus pass must attend in person.
If you are renewing your Freedom Pass please bring:
- your existing Freedom Pass photocard.
If you are applying for your first Freedom Pass please bring:
- 2 recent passport-size photographs of yourself.
All applicants must bring:
Acceptable proofs are: current Freedom Pass (with photocard), state retirement pension book, entitlement card, letter of pension entitlement, passport, medical card, birth certificate (unless your name has changed), pink/new style driving licence.
Acceptable proofs are: current state retirement pension book, current council tax bill/ letter/ payments book/ benefits books, current council/ housing association rent book or TV licence.
Special arrangements will apply during the biennial renewal of passes, which will be advertised separately at the time.
Please note: you are only allowed to hold one Freedom Pass at any one time.
Only use the most recently obtained pass and return any others.
Once your old pass has been replaced, it will be deactivated and will no longer work.
For further information, please see the Freedom Pass website.
FAQ
When can I apply?
When you become 60. You cannot apply for a pass before this time.
What do I do if my pass is stolen or lost?
Lost or stolen passes can be replaced at a post office. You may be asked to attend an interview to explain the circumstances surrounding the loss. You will need to have with you new photos and proof of name, age and address, as for new applications, and complete the Freedom Pass application form.
Faulty or damaged passes can be replaced at the place of issue as long as you provide the required proof.
If you find a pass you have previously lost it will no longer work, please send it to the following address:
- Freepost Freedome Pass Returns (Please note: This is all you need to write on the envelope. No stamp required.)
Changes to your pass
From 1 April 2008, all freedom passes issued to older London residents can be used on local bus services anywhere in England as set out in the Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007.
Outside of London, these pass holders will be able to travel free between 9.30am and 11.00pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays. You will need to show your freedom pass and photocard to the bus driver.
A freedom pass will only be valid outside London if it has been renewed and re-stickered with a 2010 expiry date, a red rose logo and a bus hologram.
The pass will not be valid on trams, light railway, metro or train services outside of London.