On 31 March 2019 passes for more than 40,500 older people and 6,500 disabled people will expire and must be renewed in order for the holders to continue to receive free public transport in London.

Older people, who have a pass that expires on 31 March 2019, will be sent a letter on 5 and 6 February, asking them to renew. The letter contains a unique renewal number which can be inputted online at the London Councils website with a few additional details, and as long as the application is accepted, a new one should be received within four weeks.

If the pass holder cannot use the online system, there is a form on the back of the letter which can be returned by post. Guidance on what to do if there has been a change of name or address is also included with the letter.

For any queries or difficulty in renewing a pass, call the Freedom Pass helpline on 0300 330 1433, open Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm or email info@freedompass.org

All passes for those who remain eligible for the scheme will be posted throughout February.

Holders of the disabled persons Freedom Pass will be re-assessed by Ealing Council and sent a new card in February if they are still eligible. This means that holders of the disabled persons pass do not need to do anything proactive in this renewal period.

Councillor Binda Rai, cabinet member for health and adults’ services, said: “Please don’t delay in applying for your freedom pass renewal and ensure you continue to receive free public transport in London.”