London care leavers to get discounted travel

The Mayor of London has announced that care leavers aged 18-25 in London will be entitled to half-price bus and tram travel from early 2024.

The 'fare deal for care leavers' aims to directly support those who have left care after turning 18, and offer them more affordable travel options as they transition to independent living.

Children who grow up in care are three times less likely to be in education, employment or training than their peers and analysis by the Children’s Society has found that the costs such of remaining in education, or seeking a job or apprenticeship can be higher for care leavers, and this includes travel costs.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “Leaving care can be very challenging or daunting for young adults who feel unprepared for the transition to independent living. Many care leavers lack the appropriate resources to continue training or gain meaningful employment once leaving care, which can, in turn, lead to both financial and emotional hardship.

“I am determined to improve the London-wide offer for care leavers, and our new ‘are deal for care-leavers’ will give these young people a helping hand to thrive in this next stage of their lives, building a better, fairer and more prosperous London for everyone.”

Alex Williams, chief customer and strategy officer at Transport for London said: “We are keen to ensure that fares on public transport remain as affordable as possible, while still ensuring TfL can continue to run clean, green and safe services and support London’s continued economic recovery. Alongside daily and weekly capping, and the Hopper fare, our wide range of concessions are a big part of our inclusive transport offer and we are delighted to be able to offer this new option from spring 2024 to help care leavers transition to independent living.

Image by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay