Just a brief reminder that this scheme exists.

VCTS

And a very nice scheme it is too. Easy to apply, takes about a week to get your Oyster and, If like me, you live on or near the extremes of the tube line, can save you a packet. Saves me around 2.5k a year as I use it to travel to work and back everyday. Some overlands Like Chiltern Rail accept them to stations within the tube zones (Amersham - Marylebone etc)

Get one chaps, even if you only use it twice a year.

Thanks Markintime, I was under the impression that the scheme was for those who lived in London.

In October 2008, eligible individuals under 60 who live in London and those of any age living just outside London were sent an application pack for the Veterans Concessionary Travel Scheme (VCTS) Oyster photocard.

If you are in receipt of an ongoing payment under the War Pensions Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation scheme and did not receive an application pack please see below for information on how to apply.
...
How to apply for the Veterans Concessionary Travel Scheme (VCTS) Oyster photocard

Please contact our helpline on 0845 331 9872*. You will be sent an application form which you should complete and return with:
A photocopy of your Awards Notification or annual uprating letter from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA), showing your entitlement to an ongoing payment under the War Pensions Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
A passport size photo

I have spoken with transport for London, who have confirmed all veterans in receipt of War Pension/AFCS are eligible for VCTS wherever they live in the UK who wish to visit, or are travelling through London, although this is not made clear on the website.

I only use mine on the odd occasion I visit but it has saved me dosh that can go to better causes. A must if your are in receipt of the necessary pension.

The VCTS Oyster Card for free travel in the TFL area of London for veterans in recepit of regular payments from a War pension or Armed Forces Compensation scheme, widows of veterans and dependants, which was first issued by Boris Johnson and TFL in 2008 is due to expire in May 2012.

I have just had an email from Boris / TFL informing me that the scheme is to be extended and veterans who have cards will get a letter soon inviting them to renew them.

Presumably for those who may not have been aware of this and qualify, will now be able to apply for one some time soon.

Full Details Here --> War veterans | Transport for London

Letter recived today.
Forms being sent out shortly to renew our cards.
Current ones expire 31 May 2012.
Will still be for those getting 20% or higher.

Letter from Boris with new application arrived in the post today.
Great that is can be used on overground now as well & so Waterloo to Twickenham is within it's scope.

War veterans | Transport for London

Just requested an application form as I will in in London a few times this year and have just been told that as I live overseas I am still eligible for the scheme but they need a UK address to send the forms to.

Just something for any other expats that are thinking of applying.

Just fired the link to Mum. Don't think she's ever heard of it, but she only moved back to the Smoke in September.

Originally Posted by rockape34

Thanks Markintime, I was under the impression that the scheme was for those who lived in London.



I have spoken with transport for London, who have confirmed all veterans in receipt of War Pension/AFCS are eligible for VCTS wherever they live in the UK who wish to visit, or are travelling through London, although this is not made clear on the website.

Yes it is made clear on the website, I suggest you re read it, sadly its for those in receipt of war pension or AFCS pension payments. the rest of us can consider ourselves lucky!