Revenue from holders of Freedom Passes now paying fares
Request ID: FOI-3538-2223 Date published: 26 April 2023
You asked
When the Freedom Pass restriction of not being valid 0430 to 0900 weekdays was imposed 'permanently', it was stated (by the Greater London Authority) that people who previously would have used the Pass to travel are now paying £15 million for fares. This information can only have been derived from TfL data.
1 - How is that sum identified as coming specifically from Pass holders who are now paying fares?
2 - By what period is that sum arrived at - weekly or any other accounting period?
3 - If it is a projection, on what basis is that made?
4 - What is the margin of error on it?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-3538-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 28th March 2023 asking for information about the Freedom Pass.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“When the Freedom Pass restriction of not being valid 0430 to 0900 weekdays was imposed 'permanently', it was stated (by the Greater London Authority) that people who previously would have used the Pass to travel are now paying £15 million for fares. This information can only have been derived from TfL data.
1 - How is that sum identified as coming specifically from Pass holders who are now paying fares?
2 - By what period is that sum arrived at - weekly or any other accounting period?
3 - If it is a projection, on what basis is that made?
4 - What is the margin of error on it?”
I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
The estimate refers to a whole year and is based on the number of journeys made by passholders before 9am in the year leading up to the pandemic, adjusted to account for the changes in overall demand and fare levels that have been observed since then. We have not calculated a specific “margin of error”. The figure is an estimate, and therefore carries an inherent uncertainty. We are confident that the figure lies between £10m and £20m, and more likely within the middle of that range, hence the £15m figure quoted.
Note that more general information about use of the Freedom Pass can be found on our website here:
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
