Good news for the Freedom Pass

Good News for Freedom Pass holders: rail deal struck

London boroughs have committed themselves to the Freedom Pass, a cherished service for older and disabled Londoners, despite massive government cuts and reductions in transport funding from Transport for London.

London Councils has struck a deal for Freedom Pass holders to continue to be able to use their cards on London train services for the next four years.

The Freedom Pass, paid for by London's boroughs, is the most comprehensive concessionary fares scheme in the country. It allows older Londoners plus eligible disabled residents to travel free on the capital's buses, trains, London Underground, trams, and the Docklands Light Railway as well as local buses across the country.

London Councils has negotiated a four-year deal with the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) for the cost of Freedom Passes being used on national rail services in London for the next four financial years from 2011/12 to 2014/15.

In 2011/12 the amount boroughs pay to the train operating companies will be £17.9million. In the three subsequent financial years the settlement will increase by the retail price index plus 1.75 per cent which will be less than the likely fares increases.

London boroughs have paid for the Freedom Pass, run on their behalf by London Councils, for more than 20 years and have invested more than £3billion into the scheme during that time.

Chair of London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee, Councillor Catherine West said: "We have driven a hard bargain with the Association of Train Operating Companies to secure the best possible deal which guarantees concessionary travel on the railways in London for the next four years

"The Freedom Pass, paid for by London's boroughs, is the most comprehensive concessionary travel scheme in the country.