Navigating London's transport network is notoriously expensive, with weekly travel costs often exceeding £50 for many residents. In a significant move to alleviate this financial burden for those seeking work, Transport for London (TfL) operates a scheme offering substantial fare reductions.
Who Qualifies for 50% Off Travel?
The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount provides a 50 per cent reduction on pay-as-you-go adult fares across most TfL services. This major saving applies to buses, the Tube, trams, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, and sections of the Elizabeth Line. It also covers the majority of National Rail services within the London area.
Eligibility is targeted at those who are unemployed and actively hunting for jobs. To qualify, you must be receiving either Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit. The length of time you need to have been out of work depends on your age:
- If you are aged between 18 and 24, you must have been unemployed for 13 to 39 weeks.
- If you are over 25, you must have been unemployed for 13 to 52 weeks.
The scheme is also open to individuals claiming Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, or Income Support, provided they are working with an adviser to return to employment.
How to Apply for the Travel Discount
Securing the discount requires an in-person application. You must first visit your local Jobcentre Plus office. Once approved, follow these steps to activate your reduced fares:
- Take your Jobcentre Plus photocard and your Oyster card to any Oyster Ticket Stop or London Underground station.
- Ask a member of staff to add the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount to your Oyster card. You will need to provide a password.
- Add pay-as-you-go credit to your Oyster card as normal.
- Create or sign into your online TfL contactless and Oyster account and add your Oyster card. You must use the same password you gave to the staff. Failure to do this means you cannot get a refund or replacement if the card is lost.
Using Your Discount Card Correctly
It is crucial to carry both your Oyster card and your Jobcentre Plus photocard with you whenever you travel. Without the photocard, you will not be able to purchase a Travelcard or Bus & Tram Pass.
Always remember to touch in on the yellow card reader at the start of your journey and touch out at the end. TfL explicitly warns cardholders not to let anyone else use their personalised card.
The photocard is valid for a period of three months. For full terms, conditions, and further details, visit the official TfL website.
This scheme represents a vital support mechanism for Londoners navigating the costly job market, potentially saving eligible residents hundreds of pounds on essential travel during their search for employment.
