The freedom pass for older people gives you free travel on all buses, trains, trams, Docklands Light Rail, TfL river services and underground services within the London area after 9am weekdays (9.30am for National Rail services), all day weekends and public holidays. It is paid for by your council to help older people get around.
You must be a permanent resident in the borough of Hounslow and have reached the age of 60 or over to qualify for the scheme.
How do I apply?
Application forms for freedom passes for older persons are available to download on this page or alternatively, from a number of post offices in Hounslow. Please note that proof of name, age and residency in the borough are required.
Only certain types of identification are accepted (for example your passport and pink/new style drivers licence are acceptable as proof of your name and age but are not acceptable as proof of name and address). Please pay particular attention to this list so that when you are visiting the issuing post office you will have the correct proof with you. Please bring with you:
Two recent passport sized photos of yourself; and One item of proof of your name and age: State Retirement Pension Book, entitlement card, letter of pension entitlement, passport, medical card, birth certificate (unless your name has changed), pink/new style driving licence;
One item of proof of your name and address: current State Retirement Pension Book, current Council Tax bill/letter/payment book, current benefits book, current Council/Housing Association rent book or TV licence Or any of the following items if dated in the last 3 months: Residential Utility bill, Residential bank/building society statement, Inland Revenue letter, Benefits Agency letter, letter of Pension Entitlement or Occupational Pension letter or Residential credit card statement.
How much does it cost?
The pass is free but you must provide two passport size photos with your application. If you use the pass on national railways to travel outside the Greater London area, the extra cost of the travel must be paid before boarding the train.
When is the pass valid?
The pass is valid after 9am weekdays and all day weekends and national holidays on the London Underground, buses, Dockland Light Railways, and trams
The pass is valid on National Rail after 9.30am weekdays and all day weekends and national holidays
The pass is valid anytime on TfL river services, fares are half price with freedom pass
What if the pass is stolen, lost or faulty?
If the pass is lost or stolen you must report it to the police and get a crime reference number from them.
If the pass is faulty it can be replaced at the post office. No further proof of identity is required other than your existing pass with photocard.
How do I use my freedom pass?
Simply place your freedom pass wallet containing your pass and photocard flat onto the yellow card reader pads located by the driver on the buses and on top of the automatic ticket gates at the train and tube stations. You don't need to take the pass out if its wallet as you don't need to insert it into any of the station gates.
On buses you only need to touch your freedom pass flat on the yellow card reader when boarding the bus. On the train and tube you just touch your freedom pass flat on the yellow card reader on the automatic ticket gates as you enter and exit the station. You do not even have to open your pass wallet for your pass to be read on the reader pads, you can place it on the reader pad closed.
Contact us
Tel: 020 8583 3073
E-mail: bluebadge@hounslow.gov.uk
