The cost of providing the Freedom Pass to older and disabled Londoners is set to rise by £40 million to £372 million next year, according to London Councils. The increase, driven by an ageing population, fare rises, and higher post-pandemic travel demand, could push costs to nearly £500 million by 2030.
The figures emerged days after TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp sparked an online debate by criticising children's author Michael Rosen, 79, for using the concessionary scheme. In a post on X, Allsopp said it was wrong for well-off recipients to take benefits they did not need, adding: 'It is bankrupting our country.'
The Freedom Pass is funded by London's 33 boroughs, often using revenue from motoring fines. More than 1.2 million passes are currently in use, allowing free travel on TfL services from 9am on weekdays and all day at weekends, and on National Rail after 9.30am.
A paper presented to London Councils' transport and environment committee warned of a 'significant increase' in costs, with payments to TfL rising from £307 million to £343 million and to the Rail Delivery Group from £21.8 million to £26 million. Officials have suggested a fundamental review of the scheme may be needed.
A spokesperson for London Councils confirmed that Rosen's new pass was due to be dispatched shortly, adding: 'The Freedom Pass provides eligible residents with free travel on most public transport in London.'
