In June 2020, temporary changes to the Older Person's Freedom Pass and the 60+ Oyster card during the morning weekday peak travel were introduced. These were initiated on the basis that they would help reduce the risk of crowding and aid social distancing.
The London Assembly has today urged the Mayor to immediately remove the restrictions on travel, or to publish sound scientific evidence for the continuation of the ‘temporary’ changes.
Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, who proposed the motion said:
“The suspension of concessionary travel for 60+ Oyster photocard and Older Persons Freedom Pass holders before 9am on weekdays was supposed to be only a temporary measure, yet it is still in place 15 months after it was first introduced and with no indication as to when it will be finally lifted.
“With restrictions on crowding and social distancing now largely lifted the arguments for the continued restrictions no longer hold up. It is time to stop penalising people over 60 who are in work, who need to travel to offer childcare to grandchildren at the start of the day, or who face morning health and hospital appointments.
“The restrictions must be lifted, or the Mayor must provide sound scientific evidence to continue penalising people over 60 years of age.”
The full text of the motion is:
“This Assembly notes that ‘temporary’ changes to the Older Person's Freedom Pass and the 60+ Oyster card during the moring weekday peak travel were introduced in June 2020 and were initiated on the basis that they would help reduce the risk of crowding and aid social distancing.
This Assembly also notes that the ability to travel before 9.00am is of immense importance, especially for people who have morning hospital and health appointments.
This Assembly believes that with the removal of many social distancing rules and the passenger limits on buses the arguments for the temporary changes have been weakened, yet the grounds for people being able to travel before 9.00am are as important as ever.
This Assembly urges the Mayor to immediately remove the restrictions on travel or to publish sound scientific evidence for the continuation of the ‘temporary’ changes.”
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Caroline Pidgeon MBE 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.
For media enquiries, please contact Alison Bell on 020 7983 4228. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.