Older Person's Freedom Pass (OPFP)

What is the Older Persons Freedom Pass?

The Older Persons Freedom Pass is a travel pass that allows Camden’s older residents travel within the greater London area.

The pass is valid on London Transport buses, London Overground, London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, National rail services and London Tramlink.

How can I join the scheme?

There are two ways to join the scheme:

1. make an online application

• online application form for older persons freedom pass

Screen reader users may find that the web pages used to submit an online application do not work well with their software. If this is the case, please phone 020 7974 6435 and we will assist you to make your application.

2. make an application by post

• request an application form

You can also call 020 7974 6435 to request application forms.You will need to provide proof of your sole or principal residence in Camden, proof of age and a passport-style photograph.

Am I eligible?

Due to the government’s gradual change to the state pension qualifying age for women, you will no longer qualify for a Freedom Pass on your 60th birthday if you were born after 6 April 1950.  The changes affect both men and women equally.

Please view the PDF document below or visit the Directgov website to find out the date on which you will qualify:

• download: Eligibility dates for Freedom Pass (PDF 16KB)

If you live in Camden, you can make an application for an Older Persons Freedom Pass up to 14 days before you become eligible.

How much does it cost?

The pass is free, but you will have to provide one passport-style photograph with your application at your own cost, if you make a paper based application.

If the pass is used on national railways to travel beyond the greater London area, the extra onward cost of the journey must be paid before boarding the train.

When is the pass valid?

The Older Persons Freedom Pass is valid 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the bus, Tube, Docklands Light Railway, Tram and London Overground networks.

However, for National Rail services within Greater London, the pass is valid only after 9.30am on weekdays, but is valid all day on weekends and public holidays.

Please check the following websites for further information:  www.london.gov.uk and www.freedompass.org

The pass can also be used on many other bus services throughout England, as part of the English national concessionary travel scheme (ENCTS).

Where are the pass boundaries?

More information about the Older Persons Freedom Pass can be obtained from the Freedom Pass website

What should my photo look like?

Your photo must be:

• passport-sized (45mm x 35mm)
• a recent photo (a true likeness of you now)
• in colour, be clear and in sharp focus, with no shadow
• taken against a light grey or cream plain background
• good quality (not damaged)

When having your photo taken, you should:

• face forward and look towards the camera
• keep your eyes open and make sure they are visible (no sunglasses)
• keep your mouth closed, with a natural expression (not grinning or frowning)
• show your full head, with no hat, face covering or head covering (unless this is for medical or religious reasons)
• if you wear glasses, make sure there is no reflection or glare from them, and make sure the frames do not cover your eyes

Examples:

What do I do if I have problems getting my photo taken?

If you are a wheelchair user or if, due to the nature of your disability you cannot get access to a photo booth, we can arrange by exception to take your photo at 38-50 Bidborough Street, WC1H 9DB by prior appointment only, for a fee of £7, payable on the day.

You must book an appointment time and date by calling 020 7974 6435

Bidborough House is fully accessible.

When is the pass due to be renewed?

Most current passes will expire on 31 March 2015. From time to time we will check that Freedom Pass holders remain eligible for the pass. When we are going to do this we will publicise it in local publications and on our website.

When will I get my pass?

Your pass will be delivered to you by post (or via the Cashiers Office at Camden Town Hall Judd Street WC1H 9JE, if you requested the Cashiers collection option) within 7 – 10 days of your eligible application being successfully processed.

I've lost/damaged my freedom pass

• download: OPFP Lost Freedom Pass Form (PDF 25KB)
• download: OPFP Damaged/Faulty Freedom Pass Form (PDF 17KB)

I am moving to Camden and have a Freedom Pass issued by another London borough. What do I need to do?

As part of the London-wide agreement you can continue to use your current Freedom pass. However, should the pass be lost, stolen, damaged or faulty you will then need to apply to the London borough of Camden for a replacement pass.

Please also note that if you are a disabled pass holder, but eligible for an Older Persons Freedom Pass, we will automatically issue you with an Older Persons Pass, as this currently offers the same concessions. Application forms can be obtained by telephoning 020 7974 5919 or visiting the Cashiers Office Camden Town Hall Judd Street London WC1H 9JE, this office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Most current passes will expire in March 2015 and you should contact the passenger and accessible transport team at least three months in advance of the expiry date of your pass. This will enable us to add your details to the Camden PATS database and ensure you are sent a renewal form in advance of expiry of your pass.

Contact

For more information please contact the passenger and accessible transport team