War veterans

Can I get a Veterans Oyster photocard?

You can apply for a Veterans Oyster photocard if you are:

• Receiving ongoing payments under the War Pensions Scheme in your name (this includes widows, widowers and dependants)
• Or receiving Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme in your name (this includes widows, widowers and dependants)

Eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria for this scheme has been agreed with the Ministry of Defence.

If you live in London

You can apply for an Older Persons Freedom Pass once you reach the required age. To find out if you're eligible, visit the freedom pass website. This gives exactly the same travel benefits as the Veterans Oyster photocard.

How much do I save with a Veterans Oyster photocard?

• Travel free at any time by bus, Tube, DLR, tram, London Overground and at certain times on National Rail
• Get discounts on some river services
• Take up to four under-11s with you free on the Tube, DLR or London Overground

Veterans map

Download the Veterans Concessionary Travel Scheme map (PDF 45KB). It shows when you can use your pass on the Tube, DLR, London Overground, National Rail and trams.

Extensions and restrictions

Bus
London Overground
National Rail
River services

Bus

Travel free:

At any time on buses within London showing this symbol.

From 09:30-23:00 on non-TfL buses in London (not showing the symbol above) on weekdays and any time on weekends and public holidays.

London Overground

Travel free:

To all London stations and the following ones outside London: 

• Bushey
• Carpenders Park
• Watford High Street
• Watford Junction

Pay full fare: On London Midland or Southern services between Harrow & Wealdstone and Watford Junction.

National Rail services in London

Travel free:

On any route from 09:30 on weekdays and at any time on weekends and public holidays

At any time on the following routes:

• Amersham - Marylebone
• Finsbury Park - King's Cross or Moorgate
• Harrow & Wealdstone - Clapham Junction via Kensington (Olympia)
• Harrow & Wealdstone - Euston
• West Hampstead Thameslink - Moorgate, Elephant & Castle or London Bridge
• Stratford - Liverpool Street
• Upminster - Fenchurch Street or Liverpool Street via Barking
• West Ruislip - South Ruislip

Pay full fare: If you travel before 09:30 on any route not listed above and on services operated by East Coast, Midland Mainline, Virgin Trains, Gatwick Express, Heathrow Express, Heathrow Connect between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow, or for first class travel.

National Rail services outside London

Travel free to and from the following stations from 09:30 on weekdays and at any time on weekends and public holidays:

• Bushey
• Carpenders Park
• Watford High Street
• Watford Junction
• Dartford
• Swanley

Travel beyond London

Unless you're travelling to or from any of the stations outside London listed above, you need to buy a separate extension ticket to travel beyond London.

River services

Get a discount

On any of the following services:

• City Cruises: Westminster - Greenwich
• Thames River Services: Westminster - Greenwich - Thames Barrier
• Crown River Cruises: Westminster - St Katherine's
• WPSA: Westminster - Hampton Court
• Thames Clippers: Embankment and the London Eye - The O2 and Woolwich Arsenal
• Thames Clippers: Bankside - Millbank

How do I apply for a Veterans Oyster photocard?

Please call our helpline on 0845 331 9872 for an application form.

Complete and return the form with:

• A photocopy of your Awards Notification or annual uprating letter from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency dated within the last two years. This will show your entitlement to an ongoing payment under the War Pensions Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
• A passport size photo

If you meet the eligibility criteria, we'll send you your Oyster photocard and you can start using it immediately.

Changing your photo

You can change your photo online, using the lost, stolen or damaged process. This costs £10.

How do I use my Veterans Oyster photocard?

Once you've got your card you can start using it immediately.

Touching in and out

Make sure you touch your card on the yellow card readers. It's a bit different for each type of transport. Find out more about touching in and out.

Expiry date

Your card expires on 31 May 2012 or one month after your 60th birthday if you're a London resident. If you live in London and your photocard has expired and you're not yet eligible for the Freedom Pass, you should phone us on 0845 331 9872.

Lost, stolen or damaged cards

Find out what to do if your Veterans Oyster photocard is lost, stolen or stops working.