Good News for the Freedom Pass
MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington Diane Abbott has pledged her support to the continuation of the Freedom Pass. The Freedom Pass is a concessionary travel pass which allows complete freedom of movement for the aged and disabled on London transport services and promotes social inclusion for all parts of society.
“I believe the Freedom Pass is one of Mayor Ken Livingstone’s greatest achievements. My constituency is not serviced by underground tube lines which means most of my constituents rely on the numerous bus services running through Hackney. Currently many of the aged and disabled find it difficult to afford travel prices whilst on a standard state pension or benefits. It is necessary for the state to intervene in such instances and provide a means for them to travel. The ability to move around London greatly enriches the lives of the Freedom Pass holders. Furthermore this scheme helps protect the environment by encouraging the use of public transport.”
Currently the Freedom Pass allows over one million older and disabled Londoners to travel for free on tube, bus, train and tram. Despite criticism from London Councils and some Lords, the Government has agreed to preserve the Mayor’s power to maintain the Pass scheme.
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Editor’s notes:
1 For information on how to apply for a Freedom Pass, visit: www.freedompass.org/index.htm
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