Demonstrating the value of the Freedom Pass
Transport for All
Across the UK, older and disabled people enjoy...
Across the UK, older and disabled people enjoy the benefits of a Freedom Pass, allowing free travel at all times of day, on buses, Underground and on National Rail Services in London. Moreover, society too benefits from the mobility of older and disabled people, and the contribution we make in terms of volunteering; high-street spending, and helping out family and friends.
Free bus travel for older and disabled people is a statutory right, and free travel on the morning peak is protected in London by a Mayoral Manifesto commitment. But with cuts coming thick and fast, there have been some attacks on free bus passes.
Transport for All has been making the case for the importance of bus passes, which are a huge boost to the independence and mobility of older and disabled people – as well as to the communities we live in. Greater London Forum for Older People are currently collecting evidence on how people use their Freedom Passes. They want to know: What do you use your Freedom Pass for? Does your Freedom Pass enable you to participate in cultural activities? Volunteering? Childcare? Avoiding social isolation? What would you do without it?
Here’s just two examples of how vital the free travel is to people’s wellbeing:
“I am 77 and my husband is 81 and we both use our Freedom Passes to attend education classes in Central London (we live in Stanmore which is at the end of the Jubilee Line). Without the Freedom Pass it would not be possible for us to afford to get to these classes. This would deprive us of the mental stimulation which we gain from them which is most beneficial to us in a number of ways.”
– Anne Morgan
“My mother……..is 90 and travels on the bus to town every day. The trip provides her with a real sense of purpose. She has told me that without that stimulus she would find life almost impossible.“
– Ashley Godfrey
You can find Greater London Forum for Older People’s request for information at http://greaterlondonforum.org/Documents/We_Need_Your_Help%5B1%5D.pdf
You might like to print it out to give to friends and family, or bring along to a lunch club or group you attend.
Case studies should be sent to Janine.glf@poptel.org.uk or you can phone Greater London Forum for Older People on 020 7091 2593.
