Veterans set to enjoy free London travel

Thousands of British veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are set to enjoy free rides on London’s public transportation network (TFL), as a sign of the country’s appreciation for its soldiers. Army personnel who had been injured in these conflicts will be the ones to enjoy free transportation, while the immediate relatives of those killed during battles-including spouses and the children of deceased soldiers-will be granted the same benefits.

The new transport initiative will come into effect as of November 2, 2008, thus coinciding with the veterans’ day of remembrance in Britain, and throughout much of the Commonwealth. The British capital’s newly minted mayor, Boris Johnson, made the announcement earlier today and noted that it was the city’s way of showing how much it appreciates the sacrifices brought by the UK’s soldiers.

All those who are eligible to take advantage of the new system can expect to save as much as GBP 200 per year, especially if they regularly purchased either tickets or passes to use London’s underground system and bus network. The Royal British Legion and Gordon Brown’s Labour government both saluted London’s decision to afford soldiers and family members deferential treatment. Veterans already enjoy a 33 percent discount on train travel within the UK.