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AIBU?

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Original poster

Freedom passes no longer completely free.

204 replies

SweetiePi3 · 31/05/2023 10:22

During lockdown, people with freedom passes were not allowed to use tfl transport before 9.30 am. This took away their right to be used 24 hours. Since lockdown this has not been revoked. Do tfl think that people with a freedom pass never need to travel before that, whatever the reason?

OP posts:
Ginmonkeyagain · 02/06/2023 07:31

So after all that the OP is entitled to a pass she can use without restriction.

Mate just apply for the disabled persons freedom pass and you can use it without restrictions.

My friend has one as her epilepsy and poor sight means she is banned from driving it is a great help and can be used without reatrictions.

Original poster
SweetiePi3 · 02/06/2023 13:47

WhiteFire · 01/06/2023 23:09

You don't have to consider yourself disabled, but if you are entitled to the pass that will make your life easier then apply for it. Don't make life more difficult (and expensive) then it needs to be.

You have had quite a hard time on this thread, but as a Londoner you do generally get a better deal then many others in the UK in terms of transport which is what has driven a lot of the more negative responses. However you need to look out for yourself and you possibly have a way of resolving this.

(Please say you claim / have looked into claiming AA / PIP though)

Show quote history

Thank you for your sympathy, I have xrays, MRI's, Neurology reports, occupational therapists records and Social Welfare visitors, to date, but thought the freedom pass covered both over 60's and people using mobility aids.

OP posts:
Original poster
SweetiePi3 · 02/06/2023 13:55

IJustHadToLookHavingReadTheBook · 01/06/2023 12:33

It was ever thus. I remember my grandparents getting their TfL Freedom Passes in 1990 and 1991. They turned up before 9.30 for a train one day and the guy on the barrier- on hearing that they'd only just got their passes- said "oh, you're new... you don't know about not being a twirly?" When they looked confused he laughed and said "the twirlys... the too-earlies!"

Trains were always 9.30 buses, underground, DL,R and trams were always unlimited, and these are now all subject to the restriction.

OP posts:
Original poster
SweetiePi3 · 03/06/2023 19:15

LadyLapsang · 31/05/2023 21:48

I don’t think people could ever use the Freedom Pass on the trains before 9.30. I find it odd that you can use it on buses all the time, the tube from 9am and trains from 9.30 or perhaps 10 on some lines. It discriminates against those without access to the tube, often those living in poorer areas.

However, it is a great thing to support older people getting out and about, staying active, travelling independently - I’m sure it pays for itself many times over in health and social benefits. It also means those who may be unsafe to drive (& I know lots of really good drivers in their 80s) are incentivised and supported to use public transport, especially with the expansion of ULEZ this summer.

I used it without restrictions on the Overground, Underground, Trams, DLR. Only mainline trains into London had 9.30 restrictions.

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