Currently, when ex-Londoners retire outside the city, they lose their Freedom Pass and are only given a limited bus pass. This feels unfair—many retirees still wish to travel back to London for the cultural, social, and professional activities that make the city special. Whether it’s visiting museums, attending exhibitions, or meeting friends and family, the Freedom Pass remains an invaluable tool to make travel accessible.

As retirees who spent their working lives contributing to London’s economy and culture, we shouldn’t lose our access to the Freedom Pass just because we’ve moved out of the city. The Freedom Pass was originally designed to reward those who worked in London, and it’s only fair that this legacy continues for those of us who have retired, even if we no longer live in the city.

Instead of stripping retirees of their access, the government could consider offering a Legacy Freedom Pass - one that acknowledges the contributions we’ve made to the city.  The Freedom Pass should be available to all retirees who spent their working years contributing to London’s economy, even if they no longer live in the city. To make it fair, it could be means-tested for those who require it. Let’s advocate for a system that recognises a lifetime of contributions.

Not only would this keep travel affordable for those who need it, but it would also align with the sustainability of our public transport system by encouraging more usage among senior citizens who may otherwise be discouraged by travel costs. As former Londoners, we deserve the freedom to continue enjoying the city we’ve helped build, without financial barriers that impede us from accessing the very culture and history we were a part of creating.

Please sign this petition to ensure that our contributions as retirees who worked and lived in London are recognised, and that the Legacy Freedom Pass becomes a reality for those who deserve it most.