Care leavers aged between 18 and 25 and who live in London can now apply for half price bus and tram travel, after a new travel concession opened for applications today.

Announced by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan in October 2023, the new concession will support between 15,000 - 16,000 care leavers across London aged between 18 to 25 who are now eligible to apply for the travel concession.

TfL (Transport for London) says the new concession is part of the Pan London Care Leavers' Compact, a common core offer of support designed with care-experienced young people and agreed by the Mayor, TfL, London boroughs and London's health services.

According to TfL, London's children in care can still face many obstacles and many remain particularly vulnerable once they leave care, meaning fewer care leavers go onto further training or university and can face complex challenges after they leave care. 

Analysis by The Children's Society suggests that across London there are around 15,270 young people a year living in care, many of whom will often find it difficult to navigate living independently alongside having a job, undertaking training, or remaining in the education system post-18.

Nationally, nearly 42 per cent of care leavers aged 19-21 were known not to be in education, employment, or training. This compares to around 11 per cent of all 19 to 21-year-olds.

Andy Lord, London's Transport Commissioner said: "I'm delighted that we have been able to launch this new concession, which will directly support those Londoners leaving care and help them transition into independent living in the capital.

"We remain keen to ensure that fares on public transport remain as affordable as possible, while ensuring that TfL can continue to run clean, green and safe services and support London's continued economic recovery.

"Our wide range of concessions, as well as the Hopper fare, are a big part of our inclusive transport offer that seeks to ensure everyone can get around the city and enjoy all that it has to offer."

The new travel scheme will support between 15,000 - 16,000 care leavers across London aged between 18 to 25 (credit: Au Morandarte/Flickr).

Where care leavers do remain in education or seek a job or apprenticeship, the costs of doing so can often be an extra financial burden for them explains TfL.

These could include the costs of travel to and from work or education; clothing for interviews; specialist tools and equipment; and course fees.

The new concession will sit alongside other travel concessions provided by TfL, aimed at a wide range of people from young people to older people and those seeking employment.

As well as the discount, holders of the new concession will be able to benefit from the Mayor's Hopper fare, which allows unlimited bus and tram journeys within an hour for the price of a single journey. 

To check eligibility during application processing, TfL will be working with London Councils via the London Innovation and Improvement Alliance (LIIA), who represent all 33 London boroughs and facilitate collaboration that benefits children and young people.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: "Leaving care can be extremely challenging or daunting for young adults who can feel unprepared for the transition to independent living. 

"Many care leavers lack the resources needed to continue training or gain meaningful employment once leaving care, which can, in turn, lead to both financial and emotional hardship.

"That's why I'm pleased to announce that today my new care leavers travel concession has opened for applications, meaning care leavers aged between 18 and 25 who live in London can apply for half-price bus and tram travel.

"This will give these young people a helping hand to thrive in this next stage of their lives as we continue to build a better, fairer London for everyone."

For more information about the new concession, click here.

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