Care leavers aged between 18 and 25 residing in London are now eligible to apply for TfL’s new travel concession allowing them to access half-price on bus and tram travel.
Applications are now open today after the initiative was announced by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan back in October 2023. It will support between 15,000 – 16,000 care leavers across London aged between 18 to 25, helping them to travel more affordably as they transition from living in care into independent living.
The new concession is part of the Pan London Care Leavers’ Compact, a unified support package designed in collaboration with care-experienced young people and endorsed by the Mayr, Tfl, London boroughs and London’s health services. An 18-25 Care Leaver Bus & Tram Discount Oyster photocard is issued to those who are successful in their application, giving them a 50% discount on adult pay-as-you-go bus and tram fares and adult 7 day or monthly bus and tram pass which is valid until the day before their 26th birthday.
Children in care in London continue to encounter numerous hurdles, with many remaining particularly vulnerable once they leave care. Fewer care leavers then go on to further training or higher education.
According to analysis conducted by The Children’s Society, approximately 15,2700 young people reside in care annually across London, many of whom face complex challenges managing independent living while also having a job, undertaking training, or remaining in the education system beyond the age of 18. Nationally, nearly 42 per cent of care leavers aged 19-21 were known not to be in education, employment, or training. This compares to around 11 per cent of all 19 to 21-year-olds.
Care leavers that do remain in education, or seek a job or apprenticeship often face financial burdens including the costs of travel to and from work or education; clothing for interviews; specialist tools and equipment; and course fees. The new care leavers concession hopes to alleviate these pressures.
The new concession will complement existing travel concessions offered by TfL aimed at a wide range of people from young people to older people and those seeking employment. Recipients can also enjoy the benefits of the Mayor’s Hopper fare which allows unlimited bus and tram rides within an hour for the cost of a single journey. The Mayor’s decision to freeze TfL fares until March 2025 also aims to alleviate financial strain on Londoners struggling with the cost of living and London’s recovery from the pandemic.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “Leaving care can be extremely challenging or daunting for young adults who can feel unprepared for the transition to independent living. Many care leavers lack the resources needed to continue training or gain meaningful employment once leaving care, which can, in turn, lead to both financial and emotional hardship.
“That’s why I’m pleased to announce that today my new care leavers travel concession has opened for applications, meaning care leavers aged between 18 and 25 who live in London can apply for half-price bus and tram travel. This will give these young people a helping hand to thrive in this next stage of their lives as we continue to build a better, fairer London for everyone.”
To find out more and to apply, head here.