Statement on pre-9am suspension on Freedom and 60+Oyster Card

Statement in response to news reports that TfL will not lift the pre-9am suspension on Older Persons Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster Card. https://bit.ly/3s2mGmx

Abigail Wood, CEO, Age UK London

“We have been following closely any comments about the pre-9am suspension on Older Persons Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster Card use. Until a decision has been made we reiterate our call, backed by 70,000 Londoners, on the Mayor to lift the suspension and reinstate travel concessions at all times.

“One in four older Londoners are in poverty and a third live below the Minimum Income Standard. Many who travel before 9am do so not because they choose to but because they have to: to work (often in low-paid roles that require early morning shifts), to carry out caring responsibilities and to attend medical appointments. Making the morning suspension permanent would be a financial kick in the teeth for older Londoners already struggling to make ends meet.

“We thank our thousands of supporters for getting behind this campaign to protect free travel for older Londoners and will keep you updated as further announcements are made.”