main content Freedom to travel for free

Residents aged 60 and over are being advised they need to renew their freedom passes before 31 March 2006. Passes must be renewed in person during the weeks allocated by surname at one of a number of venues across the borough.

The freedom pass, paid for by the Council, entitles holders to free travel on buses, rail and trams in the London area, the London Underground and Docklands Light Railway. Discounts are also available on many Thames river boat services.

Executive Councillor for Social Care, Health and Housing Chris Phillips said: “The freedom pass is a great way for older people to be independent and get out and about, not just around the borough but across London. When renewing their passes, it is important people remember to bring all the necessary documents with them to help cut down waiting times for everyone.”

Surnames
A - D     6 - 17 February
E - J     20 February - 3 March
K - R     6 - 17 March
S - Z     20 - 31 March

The following venues will be open Mondays to Fridays from 6 February to 31 March unless otherwise stated:

Beckenham library, Beckenham Road 10am - 4pm
Biggin Hill library, Church Road (6 Feb to 3 Mar only) 10am - 4pm
Bromley Civic Centre, Stockwell Close 9am - 4pm
Chislehurst Age Concern coffee shop, High Street 10am - 2pm
Orpington Methodist church, Sevenoaks Road 9.30am - 3.30pm
Penge Age Concern, Melvin Road (6 Feb to 3 Mar only) 10am - 2.30pm
West Wickham Age Concern, Sussex Road 10am - 2.30pm

Applicants must provide proof of their name, age and address and bring with them their current freedom pass and photo card, if they have one.

From 1 April passes can be renewed at Bromley civic centre, any library in the borough or the Social Services reception in the Walnuts centre, Orpington.

The Council will contact disabled, blind and partially sighted people by post before the date of renewal.

For further information about the freedom pass scheme, and details about the renewal process, visit the Council’s website www.bromley.gov.uk or call 020 8461 7334 or 020 8461 7301.

ENDS

Notes to editors: 

• All current freedom passes expire on 31 March 2006
• Proof of name and age includes:
  
  o current freedom pass and photo card;
  o driving licence;
  o card or letter of pension entitlement;
  o birth certificate if it shows current name;
  o current passport; or o medical card.
• Proof of address includes: 

• Letters, bills or statements dated in the last three months from banks, building societies, credit card companies, the Council, utility companies, benefits and pensions offices, or Inland Revenue will also be accepted as proof of address.
  
• For media enquiries, please email richard.simcox@bromley.gov.uk or call 020 8313 4310