London's older people and people with disabilities are once again being given a free ticket to ride across the capital thanks to London's boroughs and the Association of London Government (ALG).
The star of TV's One Foot in the Grave, Richard Wilson, joined with around 100 other guests including Freedom Pass holders today (Wednesday) at a special event to launch the 2004 Freedom Pass and remind holders to renew their passes by 31 March.
The scheme, the UK's most comprehensive free travel service, is funded by London's boroughs and operated by the ALG.
The Pass gives people with disabilities Londoners 24-hour free access to London's tube, bus and tram services, and on national rail in London after 9.30am. Older Londoners are entitled to free travel on all London's tube, bus and tram services after 9am, and on national rail services in London after 9.30am.
More than one million older and people with disabilities Londoners currently take advantage of the Freedom Pass. These people will now find it easier and quicker to get around London, as the new Pass will be in the form of a smartcard rather than a normal ticket.
Chair of the ALG's Transport and Environment Committee, Cllr Phil Portwood, said: "The Freedom Pass plays an important role in helping elderly and disabled Londoners to live as an independent life as possible.
"It gives them the freedom to travel to the shops, get to work, visit friends and family in London, or see the sights of the capital - things they may not be able to do without it.
"Boroughs continually aim to help improve the quality of life for everyone of their residents - and this is an excellent example of the ways they do just that."
Mr Wilson, said: "I am a proud holder of a freedom pass and use it as often as I can. The great thing about it is that it allows older and people with disabilities to be more mobile, enables them to get out of their homes and reduces dependence on Social Services such as home help."
Holders of the Freedom Pass should contact their local council, visit www.freedompass.org, or call 0207 747 4858 for more information on how to renew their Pass.
The Association of London Government is committed to fighting for more resources for London and getting the best possible deal for London's 33 councils. Part think-tank, part lobbying organisation and part service provider, the ALG formulates policies, organises campaigns and runs a range of services all designed to make life better for Londoners
The Freedom Pass has been operating since 1984.
The disabled Freedom Pass now incorporates the Pass for blind Londoners.
Any member of the media wanting more information should contact Stewart Henderson on 0207 934 9620 or email him at stewart.henderson@alg.gov.uk
