Thousands go online for Freedom Pass renewals

Croydon’s older citizens have no fear of conducting their affairs online, if the latest figures for Freedom Pass renewals are anything to go by.

Apart from neighbouring Bromley, Croydon has recorded the highest number of renewal applications conducted over the internet.

Toward the end of last year, older residents were invited to renew their passes online, with support, if required, from staff in Croydon libraries and Access Croydon, and from Age UK. They were also offered the alternative of applying to renew by post.

The figures show that online applications currently number more than 24,000, against about 6,600 requested by post.

However, the figures also reveal that some 13,700 residents have yet to make their application, equating to almost one-third of those eligible – and time is running out.

Letters were sent, in December, to holders of older persons’ passes that are due to expire on 31 March.

In addition to free cross-London travel on public transport, the Freedom Pass allows older adults, of national pension age, to travel on local bus services throughout England, at certain times, and is Europe’s most comprehensive free travel scheme.

“The Freedom Pass is a valuable asset for our more senior residents, giving them a degree of independence many might find difficult to achieve without it.

It’s great that so many holders have taken advantage of online technology to apply for their passes in a quicker, more efficient manner – but it’s important that those who have yet to apply, do so.

Anyone whose older person’s pass expires on 31 March is entitled to a new one, provided they still live in London, and they should have received their renewal invitation letter. If they haven’t, now is the time to act.”

Councillor Louisa Woodley, cabinet member people and communities

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2015-01-26T14:49:25+00:00 January 26th, 2015|Recent news|