Tens of thousands of signatories have urged London Councils to publicly commit to keeping the Freedom Pass, a scheme that allows free public travel across London for people aged over 66.
An open letter calling for the protection of the pass, which has existed for 53 years, is to be handed to London Councils.
The body, which represents the capital’s 32 boroughs and the City of London, previously said it was concerned about the rising expense for councils of delivering the pass, and it was planning to carry out a review.
John McGeachy, from Age UK London, said older people relied on the pass every day, and “the overwhelming response to our open letter shows just how vital this support is”.
Although the Older Person’s Freedom Pass is paid for by the boroughs, Transport for London pays for another scheme called the 60+ London Oyster card that provides the same benefits for people over the age of 60 until they become eligible for the Freedom Pass.