Transport for London
Service details
Who we are:
Transport for London - TFL are the organisation responsible for managing and running public transport in London.
TFL also provides travel information on different types of transport.
What we do:
TFL work to make journeys easier through the use of technology for example providing modern ways to pay through Oyster and contactless payment cards.
TFL collect data on transport and provide information in different formats to help people move around London.
Live travel information is provided directly by TFL to power apps and other services that are related to using public transport for example information about when the next bus is due at your stop.
The services TFL operate include; London Underground, London Buses, Docklands Light Railway, London Overground, TfL Rail, London Trams, London River Services, London Dial-a-Ride, Victoria Coach Station, Santander Cycles and the Emirates Air Line. This includes journeys made by or on:
- Bus
- Tube
- Overground trains
- Trams
- Coach
- River boats
- Cab walking
- Bicycle
TFL/ Transport for London have a website where you can find out more about the ways to travel around London and about help available if you have a disability.
Transport for London services
Travel costs and discount schemes for children and young people
Zip Oyster photocards give free travel on buses and trams. You can find out which one you /your child may be eligible for and how to apply online.
Find out more: Discounts for children and young people under 18s - Zip Oyster photocards
'Plan a journey'
TFL has a function on their website that helps you plan how to get somewhere in London using a choice of public transport. You can add your preferences so if you prefer to travel by train or bus you can say so and it will tell you which ones to get and from where.
Find out more: 'Plan a journey'
Find out how much your journey will cost
You can find out how much your journey will cost on the TFL website by using the 'single fare finder'.
Find out more: 'single fare finder'
Step free access - 'plan a journey'
Step-free access means lifts, ramps and level surfaces so you don't have to use stairs or escalators, and can avoid the step and gap onto trains, buses and boats.
TFL are introducing more and more step-free access, but it's important to plan your step-free route in advance and check before you travel in case of disruptions.
Find out more: Wheelchair access & avoiding stairs
Accessibility Guides
TFL have produced a range of guides in alternative formats to help you plan and make journeys. You can download the guides from the TFL website.
Find out more: Accessibility Guides
Travel Support Card
The travel support card gets you help when you are travelling in London. You show the card to staff and they will understand that you are asking for help.
On the card you can have information that describes the help needed and provide an emergency contact number of who you would like them to call if needed.
Anyone who finds travelling difficult can have a travel support card. You might have a hidden disability or you might not often travel on your own.
Having the card will make asking for help when you are travelling easier.
Find out more: Travel Support Card
“Please offer me a seat” - Badge and card
Many of our customers, particularly disabled people and those with invisible impairments, conditions or illnesses, find it difficult to get a seat.
Our free 'Please offer me a seat' badge and card makes it easier to let other passengers know that you need a seat.
Find out more: Please offer me a seat - Badge and card application
Travel mentoring service
Travel mentoring service provides a mentor / guide to use the transport system.
The travel mentor can offer advice on planning a journey using an accessible route.
A TFL mentor can be made available to come with you for your first few journeys to help you gain confidence and become an independent traveller.
Find out more: Learning to use public transport
Passenger Assist Service
On the Tube, TfL Rail and Overground, station staff can assist you to get to the train and help you on board.
If needed, they can arrange for you to be met at your destination.
This service is used by people with visual impairments and some other disabilities.
- turn-up-and-go
- pre-book assistance
Find out more: Get assistance from staff
Freedom Pass
Freedom Pass - free travel pass for some people with disability.
Find out more: Freedom Pass
Taxicard and Capital Call
If you have mobility impairments and have trouble using public transport, you may be able to get subsidised taxi and minicab travel in London.
The two schemes are called Taxicard and Capital Call.
Find out more: Subsidised taxi and minicab travel in London
Steps into work
The Steps into Work programme is a 12-month scheme which offers people with mild to moderate learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum the chance to gain skills and work experience. There are 12 places offered each year and the programme runs from January to December. You must complete a for saying you are interested and send it to the programme organisers. They will invite some applicants who an assessment day and these applicants will be asked to take a numeracy and literacy test. If you are chosen from this group you will go on to have an interview for a place on the programme. You can receive support with the interview.
Find out more: Steps into work
Free training for young people with SEND at special schools
TFL provide free training for young people with SEND at special schools to help them understand; Where to get help, How to Recognise the uniform, What to do when you get on a bus, Planning and making a journey, Active travel choices.
Find out more: Free training for young people with SEND at special schools
Accessible travel stories
You can find more about the experience of some adults with disabilities who use public transport in London.
Find out more: Accessible travel stories
SEND Local Offer
- Local Offer Age Bands
-
Early Years and Pregnancy 0-4
Primary 4 -10
Secondary 11-14
Preparing for Adulthood 14-18
Young Adults 18 - 25
Parents and Carers - SEN Provision Type
-
- Universal
Who to contact
- Telephone
- 0343 2221 234 0343 2221 234 0800 1123 456 - Textphone 0800 1123 456 - Textphone
- tflaccessibility@tfl.gov.uk
- Website
- Transport for London
- Scan to visit this website
Other details
- Who is eligible?
There are different rules about free travel for buses and trains.
For full up-to-date details, including more information about Freedom Passes for disabled and people, visit the tfl website.
Oyster Cards are available from Oyster Ticket Stops (shops displaying the tfl Oyster Card logo) bus stations, train stations and online from the tfl website.
Contactless bank cards can also be used to pay for fares on buses and on tube, tram, DLR and Overground services after 16 September 2014.
Buses
- Children 0-11 travel free
- 11-15s travel free with a Zip Oyster Card
- 16-18s, apprentices, jobseekers and students can get money off full fares by applying for a special Oyster Card
Buses are cash-free. With an Oyster Card you can:
- Add pay as you go credit or a weekly/monthly/annual pass
If you don’t have an Oyster Card you can:
- Use a contactless bank card to pay for each journey on the bus
Tubes, Overground and DLR
- Children 0-5 travel free
- Up to 4 children aged 5-10 travel free if accompanied by an adult, or if they have a 5-10 Zip Oyster Card
- 11-15s will need a Zip Oyster Card to buy child fares
- 16-18s, apprentices, jobseekers and students can get money off full fares by applying for a special Oyster Card
National Rail
(Greater Anglia trains that start from Liverpool Street)
Similar rules apply except:
- 5-10s without a Zip Oyster Card need a ticket even if travelling with adults
- What to do if you have a complaint
TFL Help and contacts: https://tfl.gov.uk/help-and-contact/
TfL Customer Service
4th Floor
14 Pier Walk
London SE10 0ES
Phone: 0343 222 1234 (you will be charges for calling this number)
Textphone: 0800 112 3456
London TravelWatch: http://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/complaints/where_to_send_your_complaint
Costs
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- For full up-to-date details
- including more information about Freedom Passes for disabled and elderly people
- visit the tfl website
Feedback from parents and others who have used this service
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