If you have a disability

If you have one of the disabilities listed below, you can travel free on most of London’s public transport - buses, trains, tubes and trams. You will need to apply for a Freedom Pass which is normally valid for two years.

Who can have this service?

  • you must live in Waltham Forest
  • At least one of the following applies to you
  • you are registered blind or are eligible for registration
  • you are registered partially sighted or are eligible for registration
  • you are profoundly or severely deaf
  • you are without speech - unable to make clear requests
  • you have a physical disability which results in a severe and permanent walking difficulty
  • you are without arms or have a long-term loss of the use of both arms
  • you have a severe learning disability
  • you have been refused a driving licence (because of a medical condition)
  • you have severe/enduring mental health problems and are attending a day service, funded by Social Services

Will I have to pay towards this service?

No. The pass is issued free of charge. You will have to supply two current photographs of yourself, which will cost a small amount.

How to get this service

If you feel this service will help you or the person you are caring for –

Download and fill in the Freedom Pass application form

Take it to the Mobility Team. If there is a reason that you're unable to visit one of our offices, then you can also post your application to us

You will also need to give us:

  • Proof of residency – proof that you live in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. To do this you will need to supply two of the following documents. These documents must be addressed to you personally and issued in the last 3 months
    • DSS Benefits book
    • Rent Book or tenancy agreement
    • Utility bill
    • Council Tax bill
    • Bank statement

  • Photographs – please enclose 2 passport size photographs with your signature on the back. The photographs will be returned if your application is unsuccessful

  • Evidence of your disability or illness – please check that you have enclosed the relevant medical evidence from Part B of the form

Other information

the Freedom Pass can at any time (except on some British Rail trains when it can only be used after 9.30am)

the pass can be used on the Underground system even when it goes outside Greater London. Buses are free on all London Transport routes within Greater London.

London Transport run ‘Mobility Buses’ which are easier to board and can take wheelchair users. They normally run on one or two days a week on each route although more London. However, London Transport are now providing more standard buses which are wheelchair accessible. For more details of this service contact:

London Accessible Transport Unit
Britannia House
1-11 Glenthorne Road
London  W6 0LF

When the permit is issued you will be given a map of the area in which you can use it.

If you qualify for an ‘Blue Badge’ Parking Permit you may also qualify for other kinds of mobility assistance. Please look at the Getting Out and About section for more information.

Contact us:

  • By calling Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000
  • Or by visiting the Mobility Team