for onsite service
Mayor of London delighted by London boroughs Freedom Pass extension
London's borough leaders have today (Tuesday) welcomed the Mayor of London's endorsement of their decision to extend the benefits available to Londoners from the Freedom Pass concessionary fares scheme.
The Freedom Pass scheme for older and disabled Londoners, paid for by London's boroughs, is the most comprehensive concessionary fares scheme in the country.
Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, told a meeting of London Councils Leaders Committee that he was 'absolutely delighted' that the Freedom Pass' benefits had been extended on the newly branded London Overground Network.
From this week disabled Freedom Pass holders will be able to use this Network free of charge at anytime, while older people will be entitled to free travel on this Network from 9am on weekdays instead of 9.30am. The Network covers services from Stratford to Richmond; Willesden Junction to Clapham Junction; Euston to Watford Junction and Gospel Oak to Barking.
The extra benefits mean that disabled Freedom Pass holders will be able to enjoy access to 24-hour free travel on the Network as well as on London's trams, buses, DLR and tubes, while those aged 60 or over will be able to travel free on the network and the capital's tubes, buses, DLR and trams from 9am. The 9.30am start time on national rail services within London for all Freedom Pass holders will remain.
Chairman of London Councils, Councillor Merrick Cockell, said:
"The extra benefits we have provided Freedom Pass holders on the London Overground Network is a clear indication of London boroughs' commitment to this vital scheme for some of our most vulnerable members of society.
The Pass has never been under threat from London's boroughs, despite the claims by the Mayor. Far from cutting any of the benefits enjoyed by Freedom Pass holders, we have extended them.
It is very pleasing that the Mayor has finally acknowledged our commitment to the Freedom Pass. Hopefully this will put an end to the misleading information that has been worrying older and disabled people across the capital."
The Freedom Pass, provides disabled Londoners and those 60 and over with free travel concessions on the capital's network of trains, tubes, buses, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and trams.
It is run on behalf of the boroughs by London Councils.
Boroughs use a mixture of national grant and local income, including the council tax and surpluses from their parking accounts, to pay for the Freedom Pass. The total cost to London's 33 councils is currently £227 million a year.
For press enquiries please contact: Stewart Henderson on 020 7934 9620 Stewart.Henderson@londoncouncils.gov.uk Fax 020 7934 9769
For non-media enquiries contact: London Councils, 59½ Southwark Street, London SE1 0AL Tel 020 7934 9999 www.londoncouncils.gov.uk Fax 020 7934 9769
