What is a Disabled Person's Freedom Pass

A Disabled Person's Freedom Pass allows you to travel on local bus services across England during off-peak times.

In London, as well as the bus network, it also allows you to travel on: 

• London Underground
• Docklands Light Railway
• Croydon Tramlink
• National Rail trains after 9:30am (no time restrictions apply on weekends and public holidays)

Who is eligible

You can get a Disabled Person's Freedom Pass if you:

• are blind or partially sighted
• are profoundly or severely deaf
• are without speech
• have a disability or have suffered an injury that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk
• do not have arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
• have a learning disability that includes a significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning
• have applied for a driving licence and have been refused because of a disability

Discretionary passes

If you're under 60 and don’t meet the criteria for a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass, we may still be able to offer you a discretionary pass. A discretionary pass can not be used outside of London, and it will become invalid if you move outside of Croydon.

You must:

• have either a physical disability or a severe mental illness
• be supported by social services
• be able to use your pass to achieve your care plan outcomes

Apply for a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass

You can either:

• request an application form by email from travel.service@croydon.gov.uk
• collect a paper copy from Access Croydon, Bernard Weatherill House, Mint Walk, CR0 1EA

Please return the completed form to us with:

• proof of address
• proof of identity
• a passport standard photograph
• evidence of eligibility

Re-assessment of eligibility

Croydon Council reassess Freedom pass holders on a rolling basis, to ensure that only those that continue to be eligible hold a Disabled Person's Freedom Pass. 

You are reminded that it is your responsibility to keep your address and contact details up to date. You can do this by going to the Freedom Pass website. 

If you do not keep your contact details up to date, or we are unable to confirm your continued eligibility, your pass may be stopped before the expiry date on the pass. 

Re-assessments can take place at any time; the expiry date printed on your pass does not reflect when your entitlement will end. Your entitlement to a Freedom Pass may be stopped if you do not respond to the letters we send you regarding your continued eligibility to the scheme. 

Appeals

If your application is rejected and you want to appeal the decision, see our appeals process.

Lost, stolen or faulty passes

You can request a replace online or by calling the Freedom Pass Helpline at 0300 330 1433 (Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm). 

Depending on the circumstances, you may be asked to contact Croydon Travel Service team before a further pass is issued.