All the Capital’s over-60s will be able to use Transport for London (TfL) services for free when a new Oyster travel concession launches at the start of next month. The new scheme fulfils the London Mayor’s pledge to bridge the gap for London’s 60-year-olds since the age of eligibility for the London Council’s Freedom Pass was raised from 60 to 61 by the Government in 2010.

More than 100,000 applications are expected before the new 60+ London Oyster photocard goes live, and a further 10,000 Londoners are expected to become eligible for the scheme each month. The Mayor said: ‘Londoners who have grafted all their lives and expected to receive free travel on retirement just as those before them quite rightly felt cheated when the age escalator removed the Freedom Pass from their grasp. ‘I promised to restore this right to travel for free on the Capital’s transport network for every Londoner from their 60th birthday. ‘From November, this will be the case when hundreds of thousands of people will be armed with their 60+ London Oyster card, enjoying all our great city can offer.’

Applications for the 60+ London Oyster photocard will open on October 17 and will require a colour digital photo, email address, proof of identification and a £10 fee. For more information, visit tfl.gov.uk/tickets