Sadiq Khan announces TfL initiative for young care leavers

Young care leavers in London will be able to receive half-price bus and tram trips from early 2024, as mayor Sadiq Khan says he is “determined” to support those transitioning to independent living.

Analysis by The Children’s Society found there are roughly 15,270 care leavers aged 18-25 in London, many of whom find it difficult to navigate having a job, undertaking training, or remaining in the education system while also learning how to live independently.

Care leavers are young people who have spent time living in foster care, with 18 the official leaving age in England.

The new scheme from City Hall will work in tandem with other care-focussed initiatives in the capital, with each borough having its own localised care leaver deal.

The mayor’s team however said having a “common core offer” across London will ensure all of those moving out of care to live independently are able to access the support they need.

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 ‘are 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.”

Lucy Ivankovic, interim head of London children’s services, Barnardo’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted Transport for London will be offering care leavers discounted travel on buses and trams.

“Barnardo’s Transport for Freedom campaign has been calling for transport authorities to create bespoke schemes for care leavers who are struggling with the cost-of-living and do not have the ‘bank of mum and dad’ to top up their fare.

“This new scheme introduced in London will be a lifeline for care leavers who rely on public transport to access education and employment, and will help to reduce their isolation and loneliness.”

Sonny, a 21-year-old who experienced care and is on the TfL Youth Board, said the 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.”

The offer will be targeted at those aged 18 to 25 and living in the capital. Those wanting to apply will have to liaise with their local council first, which will provide eligibility information to Transport for London (TfL).

The application process itself will be hosted on the TfL website, with an associated fee. LondonWorld asked City Hall how much this would be, though had not received a response at the time of publication.

Mr Khan has been pushed on a number of occasions to introduce travel concessions for care leavers.

Labour London Assembly Member (AM) Elly Baker in 2021 asked via a written question to the mayor whether he would agree to provide free travel, rather than the planned half-price offering.

Mr Khan said at the time that he had requested TfL look at “the best and most economical approach”, subject to the government’s funding deal.

Ms Baker asked for updates on at least two further occasions, with Mr Khan saying in March 2022 that TfL, the Greater London Authority (GLA) and London Councils were working on possible options, with hopes the concession would be in place by “next year”.