Editing Freedom Pass (section)

==Scope and validity==
The Freedom Pass is valid at most times on [[London Underground]], [[London Overground]], [[Elizabeth line]],<ref name = Lizline >{{cite web| url = https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedom-pass/using-pass/crossrail-elizabeth-line| title = Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that the Elizabeth line has opened today Tuesday 24 May 2022| publisher = London Councils| access-date = 5 February 2023| archive-date = 5 February 2023| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230205075551/https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedom-pass/using-pass/crossrail-elizabeth-line| url-status = dead}}</ref> [[London Buses]], [[Tramlink|Tram]], and [[Docklands Light Railway]] services, including stops within and outside [[Greater London]]. The times of day at which it can be used have sometimes changed; since 2020 the OPFP and 60+ pass (the disabled person's pass is not so restricted) cannot be used from 4:30 to 9:00 on working weekdays.<ref name=howuse/>

It is accepted at most times on most local rail services in and outside Greater London except from 4:30 to 9:30 on working weekdays that are within [[London fare zones]] 1–6, plus Dartford and Swanley.<ref name="travel map">{{cite web | title=Freedom Pass travel map | publisher=[[London Councils]] | date=17 October 2022| url=https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2024-04/fpd_freedom_pass_6-11-22.pdf}} Map has details of valid routes and times.</ref><ref name=natrail>{{cite web | title=Freedom Pass| website=National Rail Enquiries|url=https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/46508.aspx | access-date=17 May 2023}} Web page with details of validity and exceptions for use on rail services, updated as required.</ref>

Outside Greater London the card can be used for free travel on any local bus route in England (but not Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) wherever and whenever the [[English National Concessionary Bus Travel Scheme]] applies. Travel on working days before 9:30 and after 23:00 is excluded, although some operators may extend hours of validity.

Since 2015 OPFPs have been valid for five years, and can be renewed when expired.<ref name="renew">[https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedom-pass/older-persons-freedom-pass/renewing-your-pass Does your Older Person's Freedom Pass expire on 31 March 2021?], London Councils Freedom Pass Web site, retrieved on 2 May 2021]</ref>

===Exceptions===
Up-to-date information, which changes from time to time, is available on the TfL<ref>{{cite web | title=Freedom Pass | website=Transport for London | url=https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/freedom-pass | access-date=13 March 2024}}</ref> and the Association of London Councils<ref>{{cite web | title=Freedom Pass | website=London Councils | url=https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedom-pass | access-date=13 March 2024}}</ref> websites.

The Freedom Pass is not valid for travel on many longer-distance train services even if they stop within Greater London (many such journeys are prohibited for all passengers by "stops for picking up/setting down only" restrictions) or for non-TfL trains to [[Heathrow airport]]. Routes and times of validity of Freedom Passes on the rail network are published and updated as necessary. Freedom Pass validity for these services is less than that of Oyster cards. For travel through and beyond the Freedom Pass area, separate extension tickets starting at the Freedom Pass boundary may be bought.<ref name=howuse>{{cite web | title=How to use your Freedom Pass | website=London Councils – Freedom Pass| url=https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedom-pass/how-use-your-freedom-pass | access-date=12 May 2025}}</ref>

For travel which crosses the boundary of the area of validity of the Freedom Pass at a time and on a service where the Pass is valid, it is normally necessary to buy a ticket only for the section not covered by the Pass, i.e.  a ticket from the Freedom Pass boundary, or from a named station within the zone of validity. In the latter case where multiple operators exist but only one calls at the boundary station, it can sometimes be cheaper to buy a ticket for the cheaper operator from the last station at which their trains call before the boundary rather than the boundary station (e.g. "Thameslink only" from East Croydon rather than "Any Operator" from Coulsdon South).

The Freedom Pass is not valid on most intercity coach services;<ref name=howuse/> other restrictions apply on bus or coach services which are not operating as a ''stage carriage'' (in summary, a service of any distance using buses or coaches providing ''local services''<ref>s.3 Transport Act 1980</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Greenline tickets - section Special travel deals for people over 60| publisher=Arriva Bus | url=https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/greenline/greenline-tickets | access-date=12 May 2025}} An example of limited specific coach routes where a Freedom Pass is accepted.</ref>) or in substitution of a railway service on which the Freedom Pass would be valid. It is not valid outside England.