The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has today confirmed that Londoners aged 60 and over will be able to use their Freedom Pass on Transport for London services free of charge for 24 hours a day, every day of the week, from 2 January.
The Mayor made his announcement during a visit to a Bermondsey day centre. He was joined by London Councils Chairman, Councillor Merrick Cockell, in meeting pensioners who will be able to take advantage of the additional hours.
During his election campaign the Mayor made a "cast iron" commitment to adding to the hours that free travel was available for elderly Freedom Pass holders. Today the Mayor said:
"I am delighted that elderly Freedom Pass holders will be able to use this important scheme to get to early morning hospital or other appointments that most Londoners would take for granted. That is why during the election campaign I promised elderly pass holders would no longer have to wait until well after breakfast to catch the bus."
The additional benefits announced by the Mayor apply to journeys made by older Freedom Pass holders on London Buses, Trams, Tube, DLR, London Overground and certain National Rail services.
The Freedom Pass, paid for and run by London's boroughs, is one of the most comprehensive concessionary fares schemes of its kind for older and disabled people in the country.