Council issues reminder about "fantastic" Freedom Pass scheme

7.35.19pm GMT Sat 23rd Feb 2008

Richmond Council this week hailed the Freedom Pass as a "fantastic initiative" and reminded residents that they have until 31 March 2008 to renew the permit.

The pass gives disabled Londoners and those 60 and over free travel on the capital's network of trains, tubes, buses and trams. From 1st April, most passholders will also be able to travel free on local buses outside the morning peak anywhere in England as part of the National Concessionary Bus Travel scheme. The Freedom Pass is the country's most comprehensive free travel initiative with more than a million Londoners currently holding a pass. There are approximately 35,000 passholders in Richmond upon Thames. The scheme is paid for by all London boroughs and run by the "London Councils" organisation.

Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, Cllr Denise Carr, said: "This fantastic scheme allows elderly and disabled residents real travel freedom and helps them to live as independently as possible. I would urge everyone to ensure they renew their pass by 31 March so they continue to reap the benefits."