The popular scheme, Free travel for everyone aged 60 and over will be brought back said Boris Johnson, London Mayor. His vows followed the campaigns of mayoral candidates for very important ‘Grey Vote’. At a debate, organized by the charity, Age UK London he appeared before 200 pensioners. Johnson said that people aged 60 and above can travel at the transport network of London for free of cost. The age for concession travel was connected to the state pension age for women during the previous Labour government. This means a rise in the age for the elderly Londoners who get a Freedom Pass. The current rules have risen the age to a maximum of 66. However, the Londoners can now access it at age 61.
24-hour Freedom Pass will be offered to all the Londoners aged 60 and above, Johnson vowed. Although his plans have weakened due to the recent decision of Livingstone’s Labour Party to increase the age, he pledged to offer free travel from age of 60. The change will benefit 400,000 people.
For Livingstone people he has assured to offer Free Cycle Hire Scheme for pensioners in London. The scheme is under the Freedom pass and this will not cost extra to the boroughs, who manages the scheme. He has plans to open the free cycle hire scheme to everyone. Free membership for older people will not require investment in additional bikes, he added.
