Campaign for Free Bus Travel for Asylum Seekers in London
Welcome to the Campaign for Free Bus Travel for Asylum Seekers in London! We are dedicated to advocating for the rights of asylum seekers in our city, particularly addressing the challenges they face in accessing affordable transportation. Join us in our mission to make London a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.
Our Mission
At the heart of our campaign is the belief that everyone, regardless of their immigration status, deserves access to essential services and opportunities for integration. By advocating for free bus travel for asylum seekers, we aim to break down barriers that hinder their ability to access healthcare, education, employment, and community support.
Why Free Bus Travel Matters
Asylum seekers in London often receive minimal financial support, making the cost of transportation a significant burden. With limited resources, many struggle to afford bus fares, which can isolate them from vital services and opportunities for social engagement. Free bus travel would empower asylum seekers to navigate the city more freely, fostering their integration and well-being.
Key Issues We're Addressing
- Financial Hardship: Asylum seekers receive minimal financial support, leaving them with little to cover transportation costs.
- Limited Access to Services: High bus fares restrict asylum seekers’ access to healthcare, education, and social support networks.
- Social Isolation: Difficulty accessing transportation can lead to social isolation, hindering asylum seekers’ ability to engage with their communities.
Key Facts:
- Section 95 support provides a weekly payment of £49.18 per person on a pre-paid Aspen card, along with accommodation. However, for those in catered accommodation, the payment is reduced to £8.86 per week.
- The Home Office determines these rates based on assessments of essential living needs, with travel not considered an ‘essential need’.
- Travel allowance as of January 2024 is £5.84 per week, which is insufficient to cover basic travel costs, especially for those living in hotels and hostels.
What have we done so far?
On February 7th, Shpresa Programme proudly joined forces with over 100 community leaders, including individuals seeking asylum, to advocate for the implementation of free bus travel for asylum seekers. As an organisation dedicated to supporting refugees and migrants, we recognise the critical importance of equitable access to transportation.
Together with esteemed partners such as Citizens UK, the VOICES Network, Sufra NW London, and others, Shpresa Programme played an active role in organizing this impactful gathering outside London City Hall. Amidst a concurrent Transport for London (TfL) board meeting, our coalition raised handmade ‘love buses’ and poignant signs to capture Deputy Mayor Seb Dance’s attention.
At the heart of our advocacy efforts was a heartfelt plea embodied in the question, “is there room on the bus for me?” This question, posed by individuals seeking asylum, underscored the urgent need for inclusive transportation policies that prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities
In a touching display of solidarity, Middlesex University art students crafted a special Valentine’s Day card, symbolizing our desire for meaningful engagement on this issue. Delivered to Deputy Mayor Dance, the card invited him to a ‘date’ to discuss the imperative of free bus travel for asylum seekers
"Public transport has to be public. It has to be available for everybody. The campaign that you’re running is really, really important. Your message is well heard, it’s well delivered, and you don’t need flowers to win my heart, but you have my heart anyway. You’re absolutely right, London is for everyone."
Seb Dance - Transport Debuty Mayor Tweet