Don't Zap the Zip: Keep London transport free for under 18s
#dontzapthezip
Children in London have been able to travel around the capital for free, or at a discounted rate, since 2005. But that’s about to change. As part of its bailout of Transport for London, the government is insisting on suspending free travel for under 18s, to protect public health and avoid overcrowding on buses. This will be a disaster for families with children who are already struggling. 
Not only will it increase costs for them, it could also mean that children and young people are more restricted to their local area, less able to travel to school, college, work and healthcare appointments and more likely to miss out on the many opportunities that London has to offer them.
Families have suffered enough during the pandemic and children are missing out. It’s not right that the government should limit their access to education and healthcare and their ability to maintain relationships with family and friends.
News
Today, Friday 18 September, Child Poverty Action Group is holding a Day of Action as part of its Don’t Zap the Zip campaign, which aims to stop the proposed suspension of free travel for under 18s in London.
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In the morning, we are sharing the findings of a survey of children, young people and parents in London which reveals their thoughts about the proposed suspension and how it would affect them.
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In the afternoon, a small group of children and young people will be boarding a ‘Don’t Zap the Zip’ open-top, Routemaster bus and riding to Westminster, where they will have their photos taken on Parliament Square, outside the Houses of Parliament. They will be holding placards and posing for photos with supportive MPs. Look out for CPAG’s social media posts on Twitter @AliceCPAG @CPAGUK and on Instagram @dontzapthezip
Briefings
Tell us your story
Please share with us how the suspension of free travel for under 18s in London will personally affect you and your family. Tell us in your own words how it will impact on your finances and on your children getting to school, to other activities, to doctor’s appointments and seeing family and friends. We need your stories to build our evidence base for the campaign.
Who supports our campaign?
Please contact Alice Woudhuysen, London Campaign Manager if you have any questions about the campaign or want to support it: awoudhuysen@cpag.org.uk
