Reports say that about 100,000 Londoners will receive 60+ London Oyster photocard with which they can travel free of charge on TfL (Transport for London) services from November. Also, an additional number of 10,000 people are expected to enjoy this facility every month.
People who travel regularly from zone 6 stations such as Upminster or Uxbridge, Bromley in to the city centre will be able to save upto £2,136 per year. This facility will raise hopes among the 60+ year old people because the eligibility age was raised by the government in the year 2010 for the London Councils Freedom Pass that could be used for free bus travel and also in underground and over ground trains.
Based on the earlier scheme, the eligibility age for the Freedom pass was increased by one month every two months along with the rise in the pension age for women. But based on the new scheme put forward by the mayor Boris Johnson, Londoners will be able to use the capital’s transport network for free from their 60th birthday.
It is announced that 60 year old Londoners residing in London town not having received the Freedom pass will be allowed to use the 60+ Oyster photocard. They can make use of TfL services any time in a day and it includes the Tram, Docklands Light Railway, London buses and Underground, Overground and few National Rail services in London. Discounts on few river services also will be given. Photocard cannot be used in Scotrail services, Virgin Trains, Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted Express services, Southeastern High Speed1 services-Javelin, and in non – TfL bus services available outside London, unlike the Freedom Pass.
According to TfL, people applying for the Oyster card and whose Travelcard has not been used fully can get refund of the unused part. New card applications will be given from October 17th at tfl.gov.uk/tickets/. Older people visiting London may order online for a standard Oyster card and credit it with some amount so that they can receive reduced fares.
