Sadiq Khan has promised to introduce a ‘companion pass’ for disabled Londoners who need a companion such as a carer to be able to travel, allowing whoever they travel with to accompany them for free.
In his first policy announcement of the 2020 London Mayoral election, Khan said that, if re-elected, he expects Transport for London (TfL) to commence work on the policy on day one of his second Mayoral term.
The proposed ‘companion pass’ is targeted at improving disabled people’s access to services and facilities throughout the city.
According to Kahn, TfL will be instructed to work with disability and accessibility groups as well as London Councils to draw up the details but the expectation is that any London resident who has a Disabled Persons’ or Older Persons’ Freedom Pass and also requires a companion to be able to travel will be able to apply for the ‘companion pass’.
Currently, it is planned that the pass will be in the name of the London Freedom pass holder, not their companion, allowing it to be used by different family members, friends or carers they may travel with at different times.
Khan said: “The ‘companion pass’ is intended to make a big difference to disabled Londoners. It will help them to move around our city more easily and take advantage of all the fantastic opportunities London has to offer.”
