The free travel scheme for London's pensioners, which has been in place since 1968, could be scrapped as part of cost-cutting measures. The scheme costs Transport for London (TfL) an estimated £200m per year, putting pressure on the organisation's finances. According to reports, the decision to axe the scheme is being considered by the UK's Department for Transport, which is responsible for overseeing TfL's funding.
Under the current scheme, eligible pensioners can travel on the London Underground, buses, and other TfL services for free. However, if the scheme is scrapped, these pensioners would have to pay the standard fare for their journeys, which can be a significant expense for those on a fixed income. This move could disproportionately affect older Londoners, who are already vulnerable to poverty and social isolation.
The Department for Transport has yet to comment on the reports, but the decision to axe the free travel scheme is likely to be met with opposition from pensioner groups and anti-poverty campaigners. The news comes as the UK government continues to grapple with the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic.