No, Freedom Passes are not being phased out
Contrary to recent public speculation, the Freedom Pass is not being phased out. Statements from authorities, including the Greater London Authority, have confirmed that there are no current plans to discontinue the scheme or alter its eligibility criteria. The confusion and concerns largely stem from changes implemented in 2023, which made temporary COVID-19 travel restrictions permanent, and from changes to national concessionary bus passes in England that do not apply to London's Freedom Pass.
For eligible London residents, the Freedom Pass remains a vital service providing free public transport access. Its continued existence is crucial for older and disabled individuals, enabling independent travel and maintaining social connections, which are key aspects of healthy aging.
Clarifying the travel time restrictions
The most significant change affecting Older Person's Freedom Pass holders is the permanent reintroduction of weekday morning travel restrictions. These restrictions were initially brought in during the pandemic to manage capacity and became permanent in January 2023.
- For Transport for London (TfL) Services: Older Person's Freedom Pass holders cannot use their passes between 4:30am and 9:00am on weekdays (excluding bank holidays). Outside of these hours, and at all times on weekends and bank holidays, travel remains free.
- For National Rail Services within London: The restriction applies between 4:30am and 9:30am on weekdays. Off-peak travel rules apply for journeys outside London fare zones 1–6.
It is important to note that these weekday morning restrictions do not apply to Disabled Person's Freedom Pass holders, who can still travel for free at any time.
Understanding the two types of Freedom Pass
There are two distinct types of Freedom Pass, each with different eligibility criteria and benefits:
- Older Person's Freedom Pass: For London residents who have reached the State Pension age. Eligibility is now tied to the State Pension Age, which is currently 66 and is scheduled to rise further.
- Disabled Person's Freedom Pass: For London residents with eligible disabilities as defined in the Transport Act 2000. This includes those who are blind, deaf, without speech, have substantial long-term walking difficulties, or have a learning disability, among other conditions.
Eligibility and the rising State Pension Age
The most common source of confusion regarding the future of the pass is the eligibility age. For the Older Person's Freedom Pass, the qualifying age has been aligned with the State Pension Age. This means that as the State Pension Age rises nationally, the eligibility age for the Older Person's Freedom Pass also increases.
This is a critical distinction, especially when comparing London to other parts of England. Outside of London, the national concessionary bus pass is also tied to the State Pension Age, while in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, free bus travel remains available from age 60. This has created a regional disparity in eligibility age, but it does not signal the end of the London Freedom Pass.
Coverage and use outside of London
One of the key benefits of the Freedom Pass is its extensive coverage.
- Within London: The pass provides free travel on buses, Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, and most National Rail services within the London fare zones.
- Outside London: If your pass has the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) rose symbol, it allows free travel on local buses throughout England, with restrictions generally applying to weekday mornings (before 9:30am). The pass is not valid on bus services in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, and does not cover rail travel outside of the London area.
Renewal process and preventing scams
Freedom Passes typically have a five-year expiry date. Renewal processes are managed by London Councils and require holders to confirm their continued eligibility, particularly residency. It's crucial for pass holders to be aware of the renewal process and to guard against fraudulent websites.
- Renewal Notifications: London Councils contacts pass holders when their renewal is due, either by email or post.
- Official Website: Always use the official website for renewals: secure.freedompass.org/renew. Do not click links from unsolicited emails or texts. London Councils will direct you to their website to log in, not to respond directly to a message.
What the 60+ Oyster Card offers
For those aged 60 and over who are not yet eligible for the Older Person's Freedom Pass (because they have not reached State Pension age), London residents can apply for a 60+ Oyster card. This provides the same free travel benefits within London as the Older Person's Freedom Pass, but it does not include free travel outside of London. This scheme was introduced to bridge the gap created by the rising State Pension Age.
| Aspect | Older Person's Freedom Pass | Disabled Person's Freedom Pass | 60+ Oyster Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | London resident at State Pension Age | London resident with qualifying disability | London resident aged 60+ but below State Pension Age |
| Weekday Travel | Restricted 4:30-9:00 am (TfL); 4:30-9:30 am (Rail) | Free anytime | Restricted 4:30-9:00 am (TfL) |
| Weekend/Bank Holiday Travel | Free anytime | Free anytime | Free anytime |
| Coverage (Outside London) | Free local bus travel in England | Free local bus travel in England | None |
| Cost | Free (subject to eligibility) | Free (subject to eligibility) | £20 administration fee |
Conclusion
The persistent rumor that Freedom Passes are being phased out is false. While there have been significant changes, such as the permanent weekday morning peak travel restrictions and the eligibility age being tied to the rising State Pension Age, the scheme itself is continuing. For older and disabled Londoners, the Freedom Pass remains a valuable service that enhances mobility and quality of life. Staying informed by checking official sources like London Councils is the best way to understand the specific rules and avoid misinformation. The pass continues to be a crucial component of healthy and active aging for hundreds of thousands of residents.
