Help Age UK London to protect the Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster
Published on 16 January 2026 10:57 AM
The Freedom Pass is once again under intense media scrutiny, with renewed discussion about whether it should be reviewed or restricted.
Each time this issue resurfaces, it creates real fear and uncertainty for the people who rely on it every single day—and this time is no different.
For many, the Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster is far more than a travel concession. It is a lifeline. It enables independence, connection, dignity, and the ability to participate fully in daily life. Losing it would have a profound impact—and our colleagues at Age UK London want to make sure decisionmakers understand exactly what that impact would be.
Update: On 14 January 2026 London Councils Labour Group announced that they would block any review and this was backed by Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan. You can read the story here.
Age UK London released the following statement in response to this news.
"We are pleased to see that London Councils Labour Group backed by the Mayor have blocked the threat to the Freedom Pass, but this doesn’t mean the review will go away. It’s a shame that this could not have happened before London Councils mooted that a review would happen, starting a tidal wave of concern and anxiety for thousands of older Londoners for whom the Freedom Pass is a lifeline.
With a council election coming up London councillors will want to tread carefully on this issue, but we suspect that this is not going away and that clearly the Freedom Pass will continue to be scrutinised. We know older Londoners will continue to stand up to any changes being made whether its now or in the months and years to come."
Co-sign our open letter
Age UK London invite you to co-sign an open letter to London Councils expressing our strong opposition to any changes that could cut or scale back on the Freedom Pass.