Transport for London (TfL) says the 60+ Oyster card, which gives free travel to Londoners over 60, cost them around £84 million in lost revenue last year. The figures came to light through a
freedom of information request.
The card, introduced in 2012, lets older Londoners travel for free on buses, the Tube, and most National Rail services within the capital—though not during weekday rush hours (4:30–9am).
The debate
Campaigners for “intergenerational fairness” argue it’s time to scrap the scheme. They say it’s unfair that younger workers, already struggling with high living costs, are effectively subsidising free travel for people who are still below state pension age.
Liz Emerson from the Intergenerational Foundation put it bluntly: “Why should struggling younger workers continue to fund this freebie?”
But groups representing older people fiercely disagree. For many, the card is described as a lifeline—helping prevent loneliness, supporting independence, and making it easier to stay active in the community.
Dennis Reed from Silver Voices, a campaign group for seniors, argued that the benefit more than pays for itself:
“It boosts physical and mental health, helps grandparents provide childcare so parents can work, and supports voluntary work worth billions to society. What sort of society questions benefits like this?”
The numbers
- TfL says about 382,000 people currently hold a 60+ Oyster card.
- A third of journeys made on the card wouldn’t happen at all if users had to pay.
- The £84m “lost” in 2023-24 is up from £71m the year before, and £51m the year before that.
At the same time, TfL is dealing with a £23m budget shortfall, while Tube fares have risen by 4.6%—making London’s public transport some of the most expensive in the world.
Extra costs for cardholders
While travel remains free, TfL has increased the upfront and admin costs:
- Getting a new card now costs £35 (up from £20).
- The annual check to prove you still live in London has gone up to £18 (from £10).
TfL’s position
A spokesperson said both the Mayor and TfL are committed to keeping transport accessible and affordable but regularly review concessions “to ensure they remain sustainable.” Photo by Oxyman, Wikimedia commons.