Care leavers aged 18-25 to receive half-price bus and tram travel in London

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced that care leavers aged 18-25 who live in London will be able to apply to receive half price bus and tram travel from early 2024.

The mayor said the decision would give more young people the helping hand they need to thrive at a crucial period in their lives.

Khan’s ‘fare deal for care leavers’ will directly support those who have left care after turning 18, offering them more affordable travel options as they transition to independent living.

The offer will sit alongside other travel benefits provided by Transport for London such as the Job Seekers Allowance and 60+ concessions.

London’s children in care face many obstacles. Many remain vulnerable after leaving care, and the complex challenges they face mean that fewer care leavers go onto further training or university than those who haven’t lived in care.

Children who grow up in care are three times less likely to be in education, employment or training than their peers. Analysis by the Children’s Society has found that the costs, including travel costs, of remaining in education or seeking a job or apprenticeship can be higher for care leavers, a problem this concession is designed to overcome.

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.’

Lucy Ivankovic, interim head of London children’s services at Barnardo’s, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted Transport for London will be offering care leavers discounted travel on buses and trams. Barnardo’s Transport for Freedom campaign has been calling for transport authorities to create bespoke schemes for care leavers who are struggling with the cost-of-living and do not have the ‘bank of mum and dad’ to top up their fare. This new scheme introduced in London will be a lifeline for care leavers who rely on public transport to access education and employment, and will help to reduce their isolation and loneliness.’

Image: Marcin Nowak