Ken pledges 24-hour free travel for pensioners

Mr Livingstone said that if re-elected in May, he would extend the Freedom Pass - which covers London's buses, trams, Tube and rail network.

At present the Freedom Pass only starts at 9am and pensioners' groups have long complained that they cannot get to early medical and other appointments as a result.

The pass, which is not means-tested, provides free travel for all Londoners over 60. Disabled Londoners also qualify for the scheme and more than one million Londoners are eligible.

Mr Livingstone's pledge is a clear signal that he will fight for the capital's "grey vote" as older residents are much more likely to turn out at the election than younger people.

The Mayor depends heavily on getting poorer pensioners to vote to ensure he wins another four-year term, but Tory Boris Johnson and Lib-Dem Brian Paddick will also battle hard for the older vote.

Mr Livingstone announced that if reelected, he would ensure the extended hours of the Freedom Pass came into effect within the first 12months of his next term. The move would be financed by Transport for London.

The promise is part of the central theme of the Labour campaign, which is to allow all Londoners to share in the capital's success. Mr Livingstone said: "Everyone should be able to take part in London's success. Four out of five Londoners over the age of 60 are retired but they regularly tell me that because of appointments, trips and other issues they need to travel before 9am. Extending the operating hours of the Freedom Pass across the whole day will give these Londoners 24-hour flexibility to travel free with the Freedom Pass.

"[The Freedom Pass] has immeasurably improved the lives of Londoners over 60 and disabled Londoners. That is why I have defended the Freedom Pass against all attacks on it. This policy is part of my central goal of ensuring London's public transport system is open to every Londoner."

Unveiling the policy at Southwark Tube station, the Mayor said extending the pass will cost £20million, compared with TfL's annual revenue of nearly £2.5 billion. Mr Livingstone said on the basis of current strong TfL revenues no increase in fares at all will be required to fund the extended hours.

Mr Livingstone added: "With free travel on the buses for everyone under the age of 18 in full-time education, half-price bus travel for those on income support and now the extension of the Freedom Pass I am continuing my policy to ensure we provide full access to London's transport system."

Pensioners' campaigner and former president of the National Pensioners Convention Rodney Bickerstaffe said: "This is the first time in the first place that has got rid of the discrimination between generations. Now young and old can travel at the same time."