16,000 London care leavers to enjoy half-price bus and tram fares

More than 16,000 care leavers will benefit from the Mayor’s new concession fare for 18-25 year olds who have left care.

Figures released today show that there are 16,250 care-experienced young people residing in London, each of whom will be eligible for a concession fare on bus and tram travel.

The concession will provide half-price bus and tram travel across London, directly supporting those who have left care after turning 18. Announced by the Mayor of London, it will come into effect in the new year and will give care leavers more affordable travel as they progress in education or work.

Labour London Assembly spokesperson for transport, Elly Baker, urged care leavers to apply when the scheme goes live in early 2024.

London has the highest number of care leavers between 18 and 25 in the country, despite the higher costs of living in the capital.

Transitioning to living independently can be a huge challenge for care leavers, with many suffering from financial vulnerability, isolation and loneliness.

These challenges mean that care leavers often have worse life outcomes than those who haven’t lived in care, with almost 1 in 3 not in education, employment or training at age 21, compared with 2.4% of the general population.[1] Research by Barnardo’s has found that the costs of travel can often feel like a luxury, preventing many from education, seeking a job, accessing medical appointments or finding ways to tackle loneliness or isolation[2].

Transport for London provides concession fares for those who need them most, including the 60+ Oyster Card, concessions for JobSeekers and discounted travel for under-18s.

Concession fares for Londoners were threatened when the Government attempted to remove those for under-18s and limit those for older travellers during negotiations for the funding deal for TfL in 2020[3]. The Mayor of London stepped in to provide funding to TfL to protect concession fares through his 2021/22 Budget, continuing these until the next TfL funding negotiations, which will take place in early 2024.

Elly Baker, Labour London Assembly Member and spokesperson for Transport, said:

“I am continually impressed by the resilience shown by care leavers, who must face the challenge of finding a new place to live, getting work and starting adult life without the support and safety net often provided by family.

“Cheaper fares will help this vulnerable cohort to get into work or to get an education – as well as to enjoy the many experiences our city has to offer. I’d like to thank the Mayor of London for giving more young people the helping hand they need to thrive at a crucial period in their lives.

“I urge the 16,000 eligible Londoners to sign up for this concession fare when it goes live in the new year.”