How to use your freedom pass correctly
Using your freedom pass
Tips to make sure your card does not get damaged
Has your freedom pass got lost or been stolen?
Using your freedom pass
Using your freedom pass is straightforward. You don’t have take it out of its wallet or insert it into any machines.
At the gates of most stations and when you get on the bus you will see a yellow circle, which is a card reader. Keep your pass in its wallet and then touch the pass flat onto the yellow card reader.
Touch your pass flat on the yellow card reader.
When you use the bus, you only need to touch your freedom pass flat on the yellow card reader when you get on.
When you travel by Tube or through National Rail stations with gates, you must touch your freedom pass flat on the yellow card reader as you enter and exit the station.
You must be ready to show your freedom pass and photocard to station staff or revenue insectors if requested.
How to ensure your freedom pass works properly
If your freedom pass is damaged it may stop working, so please read these tips carefully before travelling to avoid any problems.
Tips to make sure your card does not get damaged
- Keep your card safe at all times.
- Keep your card in its protective wallet - remember you don’t need to take your pass out of the wallet to use it.
- Take care not to bend or scratch your pass or write anything on it.
- Keep your pass away from your mobile phone/pager or anything electronic.
- Be careful to keep your pass away from coins, studs and zippers as they will scratch it.
- Don’t keep your card in your back pocket as it will get damaged if you sit on it.
- Do not insert your card into the ticket slot on Tube or National Rail Stations.
- Remember to touch your pass on the yellow card reader.
How to replace a freedom pass if it is lost, stolen or faulty
If have a disabled persons freedom pass, you need to contact your local borough council. Click here for a list of council contacts.
If you have an older person's freedom pass and live in Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Sutton, or Wandsworth, you get your replacement pass directly from the council. Contact them now for details.
- Barking & Dagenham on 020 8227 2325
- Havering on 01708 433 997/ 434 343
- Sutton on 020 8770 4537
- Wandsworth on 020 8871 7709
If you live in one of these boroughs (see list below) you will need to replace your freedom pass at the Post Office.
Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Westminster or the City of London.
You may be asked to attend an interview to explain the circumstances surrounding the loss.
If you have lost your pass or it has been stolen you will need apply as if for the first time. Please see How to apply for a freedom pass for details.
If you find your original pass again, return it free of charge to the following freepost address:
FREEPOST FREEDOM PASS RETURNS
Remember: only use your most recently issued pass - as any other pass will not work.
If your card has been damaged please read our tips to ensure your new card stays in good condition.
A reminder about times and areas
You must remember to use your freedom pass during the allowed times
and within the allowed areas. If you travel outside the times and areas allowed,
you
need to purchase a ticket or you could receive a Penalty Fare.
For help and information see When to use your freedom pass.
Conditions of use
All passes are issued subject to the conditions printed on them. Please see Conditions of use for details.
The freedom pass is the 'travel permit' for the purposes of the GLA 1999 Act and the Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007.
The scheme is managed by London Councils on behalf of all the London boroughs.
