FreedomPassRenewal

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Permalink Reply by Reg Adams on January 19, 2010 at 11:58am

Cutting the cost of providing FreedomPasses? A lady who wrote to the U3A Newsletter (Jan 2010) would be prepared to pay £25 for the privilege of having one. She wrote: "I understand the Mayor of London may be considering cutting millions of pounds from the Transport for London budget. Nothing of course has been decided as yet. But an obvious, and much talked about target, is the cost of Freedom Passes. If this subject comes up for discussion in any forum, I thought perhaps other readers might like to know how I defend the provision of these passes. In my view, to abolish Freedom passes would not only affect London pensioners for whom this was their best sixtieth birthday present, but would also have an effect on millions of other Londoners through increased congestion, carbon emissions, less trade for businesses and a possible increase in health budgets in London.

So why do I think this? I have a car but almost never use it when there is alternative public transport available. Thus in my own small way, I am decreasing congestion on London's streets and I am sure many of our U3A members do the same. This also means we are not contributing to carbon emissions. Like many of us, I use my pass frequently to visit theatres, shops, restaurants, cinemas, etc. all over the Capital. Thus we are all contributing to London's economy. If we lose our passes, many London businesses would certainly feel the pinch or even go bankrupt.

Many older people feel isolated and lonely. If they had to sit at home without free access to transport, then they might become prey to illnesses such as obesity, depression, high blood pressure, etc. - thus adding extra costs to the health budget. Of course many of us are comfortably off and could afford to pay for fares. But I know that I would not go out so much if I had to pay for every trip. However, it could be considered unfair that money is spent on some well-off pensioners when there are so many demands on Councils' budgets.

But can I suggest there is a middle way? I would be prepared to pay, say, £25 for the privilege of having a Freedom Pass. Pensioners on benefits could still receive their pass free. I understand that passes cost councils about £200 each. Making a small charge may discourage those who apply for a pass but then rarely use it. There is also anecdotal evi¬dence of fraud. For instance pensioners outside London may use London relatives' addresses on a Council tax bill to prove residence in Bromley. Perhaps payment of a fee and closer scrutiny of bills might reduce any risk of fraud.

So if the subject comes up for discussions, please remember these points, and if U3A members agree with them, use them to defend the continuation of Freedom passes."- BP

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