Travel assistance

Some children and young people may struggle to afford travel to and from school. 

In these circumstances, they may be able to get travel assistance.

In most cases, we expect children and young people to walk to school or use Transport for London’s (TfL) free London bus scheme.

You can travel free on all buses and tramlink services in London using an Oyster photocard if you’re:

• under the age of 16
• 19 or younger and in full-time education

Apply for travel assistance

Apply online

You’ll need to provide evidence in support of your application. If you're applying because your child/young person is medically unable to walk, you must provide recent medical evidence from their consultant.

Photocard forms are available from Post Offices or by visiting and downloading an application form from the TfL website. 

Alternatively, application forms are available at any underground station or ticket retailer.

Appeal a decision

To appeal against a decision, complete a stage 1 appeal request form. Submit the form within 20 working days of the decision you want to appeal.  

To appeal a stage 1 decision, complete the Stage 2 appeal form within 20 working days of the stage 1 decision you want to appeal.  

If you're appealing because of medical issues, we usually only consider those issues if they're supported by a recent letter from a medical consultant. We normally do not consider letters of support from GPs.

Useful links

You can find out more about free school transport online.

Contact us

You can contact The Travel Assistance Team by:

• calling 020 7525 5121 
• emailing travelassistance@southwark.gov.uk