Senior citizens are about to have their pockets raided as Transport for London (TfL) announces a 75 per cent price hike for applications to a hugely popular travel card. The application cost for a 60+ Oyster Card is about to soar in price from £20 to £35.
Part of the new charge comes from the fact that the cost of an administration check will rocket from £10 to £18. The 60+ Oyster allows for free travel on all TfL services post 9am and on national rail services within Greater London after 9.30am, and at on weekends.
The new costs kicks in next Tuesday (July 22), with the transport body claiming it was the first price hike in a decade. But it isn’t the only added cost, as the cost of getting a 5 to 10 Oyster goes up by £1, likewise for the 11 to 15.
There will be no changes to the fees associated with the Freedom Pass, which is managed by London Councils.
About 1.3 million older Londoners have a 60+ Oyster or a Freedom Pass. Hundreds of thousands of children and teenagers use a Zip card, which generally provides half-price Tube fares and free bus journeys.
Michael Roberts, chief executive of passenger representative body London TravelWatch, said: "Higher TfL photocard fees, especially for the over-60s, will be unwelcome news to Londoners who continue to feel the pinch of the ongoing cost of living crisis and some of the most expensive public transport fares in Europe.
"Annual index-linked increases might in future avoid big hikes in fees, but it's disappointing that more isn't being done to soften the blow this year for 60+ card holders on lower incomes.
"Londoners will be wondering what further unpleasant revenue-raising surprises TfL might have in store over the coming months."
Oyster card price increases
• 5 to 10 Zip Oyster photocard, charged at £11 (currently £10).
• 11 to 15 Zip Oyster photocard, charged at £16 (currently £15).
• 16+ Zip Oyster photocard, charged at £21 (currently £20).
• 18+ Student Oyster photocard, charged at £21 (currently £20).
• Apprentice Oyster photocard, charged at £21 (currently £20).
• 18 to 25 Care Oyster photocard, charged at £21 (currently £20).
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