Freedom Pass
Freedom Pass Information
Added: 29 January 2009 | Updated: 7 February 2012
A Freedom Pass entitles the holder to 24-hour free travel across Transport for London’s networks, except for some river boats where travel is half price.
Travel is free for Freedom pass holders on London Overground services, but please be aware that not all rail services in London are part of the London Overground network. Please refer to the when and where section of the Freedom Pass website to check if you can travel before 09:30.
Older persons Freedom Pass – How to Apply ?
If you were 60 or over on 6th April 2010 you are automatically entitled
to a Freedom Pass. You apply for your pass at the Post
Office. You can download the application form and guidance notes here or pick up the form from the Post Office.
If you live in the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Camden or Sutton, you must apply directly to
the Council.
Barking & Dagenham – 020 8227 2334
Camden – 020 7974 6435
Sutton – 020 8770 4537
Due to the rise in the state
pension age, you are no longer automatically entitled to a Freedom Pass on your
60th birthday. The age of eligibility will rise incrementally between
2010 and 2020. The earliest age for men and women to get concessionary travel
passes will therefore rise gradually, from 60 on 6 April 2010 to 65 on 5 April
2020.
You can check when you can apply for your Freedom Pass by using the online eligibility calculator
or call our information line on 020 7737 2339.
If your Freedom Pass has a rose symbol on it, you can use it on most local bus networks in England.
Disabled Persons Freedom Pass – How to Apply ?
A disabled person of any age can apply for this pass, as long as you meet one of the following criteria:
- People who are blind or partially sighted
- People who are profoundly or severely deaf
- People without speech
- People who have a disability, or have suffered an injury, which has left them with a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to walk
- People who do not have arms or have a long-term loss of the use of both arms
- People who have a learning disability that is defined as ‘a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning’
- People who, if they applied for the grant of a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, would have their application refused pursuant to section 92 of the Act (physical fitness) otherwise than on the ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.
To obtain a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass you must apply directly to your local council. Local authority contact details
Top Tips
The criteria for the Disabled Persons’ Freedom pass have been laid down by the Dept of Transport in the Transport Act 2000. However they are interpreted differently from borough to borough. A number of local authorities may ask you to attend an eligibility assessment carried out by Occupational Therapists. You may be asked questions about your impairments – as well as being monitored while you walk a certain distance.
You may also be asked how you have traveled to the assessment itself.
If you feel that you do meet the above criteria but have been refused a disabled persons pass – then contact us and we may be able to help you lodge an appeal.
More information about the scheme can be found online at www.freedompass.org/ and an information leaflet is available in a variety of languages.