Charities welcome news that young and old will not be forced to pay for travel

Two charities, one for pensioners and the other for children trapped in poverty, have expressed their relief that the government has not forced them to pay to travel.

Age Concern and the Child Poverty Action Group are relieved the two groups they represent will not have to pay out for their train, Tube and bus tickets.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had threatened to make his successor as London Mayor Sadiq Khan charge older travellers and school pupils to travel.

That would have been to fund a multi-billion pound shortfall in the funding of Transport for London, which has come about as a result of the massive fall in Londoners using public transport.

But Age Concern says it still fears the morning suspension of the 60+Oyster card and Freedom Pass will financially hit those who have to travel at that time, such as key workers.

A joint statement by the Child Poverty Action Group and Age UK London said: “This is a fantastic victory for young and older Londoners, who made a powerful case for why holding on to free travel is so important.

“It’s right that children can get to school safely, and older people and families don’t have to worry about additional costs at this time of great financial uncertainty.

“While we know that older Londoners will travel responsibly and only make essential journeys when the new measures come into force on Thursday, we remain concerned that the morning suspension of the 60+oyster card and Freedom Pass will financially hit those who have to travel at that time, such as key workers.

“We urge the government to continue to protect travel for children, young people and over-60s when this six-month deal runs out.”