Age UK Launches Petition Over 'Under Threat' 60+ Oyster Card


Concession may go as government squeezes TfL funding

Age UK Launches Petition Over 'Under Threat' 60+ Oyster Card
People in their fifties would need to wait longer for free travel

Age UK, the organisation which campaigns for the older generation, has launched a petition against proposals to phase out the 60+ Oyster Card.

It describes the plan as regressive and counter-productive and says it unfairly punishes future generations of older Londoners.

Under the proposals, which have been drawn up by TfL which is under pressure by the government to increase its revenue, the benefit will be phased out over a number of years.

Londoners in their 50s will not be entitled to the concession on their 60th birthday, instead they will have to wait longer. The plans will see the concession cut entirely in approximately 12 years.

Full details have not yet been announced and all current 60+ Oyster Card holders will still be able to use their card until they turn 66 when they become eligible for a Freedom Pass.

AGE UK says, “The 60+ Oyster Card is a lifeline for thousands - it's not a luxury. People on low incomes, carers and key workers are among those that will be hardest hit. This cut comes on top of the suspension of concessionary travel before 9am on weekdays.”

The petition states, “① We urge the Secretary of State for Transport to provide Transport for London with sufficient long-term funding that ensures that this and other devastating cuts are not needed.

“② We call on the Mayor to reconsider plans to introduce this cut and maintain his pledge that cuts to concessions will not take place under his Mayoralty.”

Click here if you wish to sign the petition.

Like Reading Articles Like This? Help Us Produce More

This site remains committed to providing local community news and public interest journalism.

Articles such as the one above are integral to what we do. We aim to feature as much as possible on local societies, charities based in the area, fundraising efforts by residents, community-based initiatives and even helping people find missing pets.

We've always done that and won't be changing, in fact we'd like to do more.

However, the readership that these stories generates is often below that needed to cover the cost of producing them. Our financial resources are limited and the local media environment is intensely competitive so there is a constraint on what we can do.

We are therefore asking our readers to consider offering financial support to these efforts. Any money given will help support community and public interest news and the expansion of our coverage in this area.

A suggested monthly payment is £8 but we would be grateful for any amount for instance if you think this site offers the equivalent value of a subscription to a daily printed newspaper you may wish to consider £20 per month. If neither of these amounts is suitable for you then contact info@neighbournet.com and we can set up an alternative. All payments are made through a secure web site.

One-off donations are also appreciated. Choose The Amount You Wish To Contribute.

If you do support us in this way we'd be interested to hear what kind of articles you would like to see more of on the site – send your suggestions to the editor.

For businesses we offer the chance to be a corporate sponsor of community content on the site. For £30 plus VAT per month you will be the designated sponsor of at least one article a month with your logo appearing if supplied. If there is a specific community group or initiative you'd like to support we can make sure your sponsorship is featured on related content for a one off payment of £50 plus VAT. All payments are made through a secure web site.



December 17, 2021