EXTENSION OF THE FREEDOM PASS

That this House notes that currently the Freedom Pass in London cannot be used before 9 am, even for vital trips such as medical appointments; further notes that all the key older people's groups in London support removing time restrictions on the Freedom Pass; believes that unhindered mobility on public transport ensures that older people can make a full contribution to London's economic and social activities; therefore warmly welcomes the pledge by Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, to give all Londoners aged over 60 years free 24-hour travel on London public transport; and believes that this extension will be greatly valued by the million older and disabled Londoners who currently use the scheme.