Free Tube travel scheme extended

The mayor says up to 500,000 children will benefit

Children aged under 11 will be able to take advantage of free travel on the Underground at any time on any day of the week from Sunday.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone launched the extension of the scheme, designed to benefit up to 500,000 children and their families, on Saturday.

It is part of the mayor's policy to improve access to education, sport and leisure activities for young people.

Children must be with an adult in order to qualify for free travel.

Capital costs

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "We are continuing to bear down on the cost of travel for London's families, and the extension of free travel on the tube and DLR (Dockland Light Railway) is another big step in reducing the pressures on Londoners' pockets."

Child Poverty Action Group's chief executive, Kate Green, said: "This is very welcome news for London's families struggling to meet the high costs of life in the capital."

Previously, under-11s could travel on the Tube and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) services on weekdays after 0930 GMT and all day at weekends and bank holidays.

Now up to four children under 11 will be able to accompany an adult paying a full fare at peak times.

Under-16s, and those under 18 and in full-time education, can also travel free on London's buses and trams.