Sadiq Khan has announced that young care leavers who live in London will be able to apply to receive half price bus and tram travel from early 2024. The concession will apply to those aged between 18 and 25, and is designed to ensure that a helping hand is provided during a "crucial period" in their lives.
People will be able to apply online via the TfL website and an application fee would apply. The authority is planning to work with London Councils via the London Innovation and Improvement Alliance (LIIA), which represents all 33 of the capital's boroughs, to check eligibility during processing.
City Hall says that analysis by The Children's Society suggests that across London there are 15,270 care leavers aged 18-25 living in London, 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".
READ MORE: Live Amazon Prime Day deals updates as Big Deal Day sees huge deals on Ninja, Barbie and way more
Sonny, 21, who is on the TfL Youth Board and was in care, said: "This new concession will be incredibly useful to so many care experienced young people like me. It's scary to leave care and with how tough it can sometimes be as a care leaver to study and find work, this is going to really help so many people be more financially secure."
Mr Khan said: "Leaving care can be very challenging or daunting for young adults who feel unprepared for the transition to independent living. Many care leavers lack the appropriate resources to continue training or gain meaningful employment once leaving care, which can, in turn, lead to both financial and emotional hardship.
"I am determined to improve the London-wide offer for care leavers, and our new 'fare deal for care-leavers' will give these young people a helping hand to thrive in this next stage of their lives, building a better, fairer and more prosperous London for everyone."
Don't miss out on the biggest stories from across the city. Sign up to MyLondon's The 12 HERE for the 12 biggest stories each day.
(Feed generated with FetchRSS)
