Freedom Pass row: A fair perk or an expensive policy?

When residents turn 66, they qualify for the Freedom Pass, funded by London Councils

Older residents across London are able to travel for free on buses, the Tube and other Transport for London (TfL) services at certain times under two schemes funded by TfL and London Councils. However, the perk has come under scrutiny over the cost to run the schemes - and fairness.

TfL's 60+ Oyster card provides free travel on its services after 09:00 on weekdays, and all day on weekends and bank holidays.

On most National Rail services, free travel starts after 09:30 on weekdays and is available any time at weekends.

When residents turn 66, they then qualify for the Freedom Pass, funded by London Councils, which follows the same time restrictions.

Why are the passes under scrutiny?

The Freedom Pass featured in a social media row between television presenter Kirstie Allsopp and children's author Michael Rosen.

Rosen, 79, said on X he was struggling to replace his Freedom Pass, prompting Allsopp, 52, to respond that "people taking things they did not need" were "bankrupting our country".

Responding to his post, she wrote: "A writer so successful that today is a day dedicated to him in schools all over the country thinks it is reasonable that he travels for free due to his age."

She added: "Accepting free travel is wrong."

The comments sparked wider discussion among Londoners, with many defending the passes as a vital benefit for older people who have paid taxes for decades.

How much do Freedom Passes cost London Councils?

The Freedom Pass, issued by London Councils, gives London residents over the state pension age of 66 free travel on buses, Tube, trams, DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services in the capital.

London Councils, which is an umbrella group representing all 32 boroughs and the city of London, said that for the financial year 2024/25, the pass had cost the group £291.5m, up from £226.6m in 2023/24.

A London Councils spokesperson said: "We are monitoring the cost of the scheme closely, especially given the financial pressure London local government is under - boroughs are collectively facing a £1bn funding shortfall this year."

London Councils also confirmed it was investigating why Rosen was unable to renew his Freedom Pass, but was "pleased to confirm that his new pass is due to be dispatched shortly".

What other passes are available?

The 60+ Oyster Card is a separate scheme to the Freedom Pass that was introduced in 2012 by TfL

There is an alternative Disabled Person's Freedom Pass for those with eligible disabilities, including blindness, severe hearing loss, or significant mobility impairments.

The 60+ Oyster Card is a separate scheme that was introduced in 2012 by TfL for Londoners aged 60 and above who are not yet eligible for a Freedom Pass.

It offers free travel on the same services within London, plus discounts on river services and the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

Once holders turn 66, the 60+ Oyster card is automatically replaced by a Freedom Pass.

A letter is sent asking them to confirm their name and address, and once processed, the new pass is issued without the need to reapply.

There are restrictions on the use of the passes at peak times on weekday mornings.

TfL figures show the 60+ Oyster card is forecast to cost it £135m this year, rising to an estimated £185m by 2027.

What do Londoners think?

BBC London spoke to people in Uxbridge about what they thought of the passes.

Ealing resident Jude said the Freedom Pass was a lifeline for their late parents who made "such good use of it".

"They had all worked all their lives. It is not 'free' for a start," they said. "People over 60 have worked so hard and paid their taxes and continue to do so.

"To lump the Freedom Pass into things that are bankrupting the country is absolutely ludicrous."

Cathy, from Tooting, said Allsopp's point was not the removal of Freedom Passes, but that "millionaire pensioners shouldn't be taking the benefit".

Balham resident Julie said she felt she deserved her Freedom Pass.

"Sixty-six years of age, still working, have worked since I was 15 and still paying council tax," she said. "I do not begrudge anyone this pass whoever they are, however rich and what pensions they have."