London Assembly Members today commended the Mayor for his affordable transport policies.
It agreed a motion that the freedom pass and hopper fare should continue to be protected.
Andrew Dismore AM, who proposed the motion said:
“The Hopper fare and Freedom Pass have been used on millions of journeys across London, providing a lifeline to pensioners and enabling them to access the opportunities that our city has to offer.
“It is therefore concerning to read reports that delegates at the “Manifesto for London” event call for the scrapping of the Hopper fare and the raising of the Freedom Pass eligibility age up to 75.
“This would be a gratuitous and punitive move, working against City Hall’s aim to encourage more Londoners to leave their cars at home and instead use public transport to get around the capital. This is why we support the Mayor’s intention to keep both policies firmly in place”.
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly notes the massive benefits of both the hopper fare and freedom pass, which extend affordable public transport to millions of Londoners.
We note with concern the urging of some at the “Manifesto for London” event, where according to UK Business Insider, delegates proposed scrapping the hopper fare, and raising the freedom pass eligibility age up to 75.
Such a move would be punitive to older, poorer and less mobile Londoners. The impact would likely be to reduce bus usage, increase car usage, increase loneliness among older people and reduce economic opportunities for working Londoners.
The Assembly resolves to write to the Mayor of London to commend him for his continued stance and support for retaining the freedom pass and hopper fare.
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Andrew Dismore AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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