London Olympics 2012: Free Travel For Military Personnel In London

While the 2012 Olympics are set to be an exciting event in London, there are also safety concerns. In addition to increased police protection, tens of thousands of military members are being sent to the area to keep the city safe during the Summer Games. To accommodate these protectors, London is offering free travel to military personnel who are supporting the security effort during the 2012 Olympics.

Transport for London and the Association of Train Operating Companies joined together to offer military personnel who will be providing security to the city of London during the 2012 Olympics will receive free travel within the city. They will also have free access to services to London and to other Games venue locations, according to the U.K. Ministry of Defence.

The free travel access for military personnel is granted between July 21 and September 11.

There are certain guidelines regarding the free travel. Military personnel can travel for free in Standard Class on all National Rail, Tube, Doclands Light Railway, London bus and London Tramlink services. The military personnel can travel for free whether or not they are in uniform while traveling.

Military personnel may travel for free in Standard Class, in or out of uniform, within London Fares Zones 1-9, inclusive of Watford Junction, on all National Rail, Tube, Docklands Light Railway, London bus and London Tramlink services.

There is also some limited free travel outside of London. Military personnel must be in uniform to travel in Standard Class on any National Rail service to or from London, with the exception of Grand Central and Caledonian Sleeper services. They can also travel for free to Games Venue stations including Cheshunt (for Lee Valley White Water Centre), Leigh-on-Sea (for Hadleigh Farm), Slough and Windsor & Eton Riverside (for Eton Dorney) and Sevenoaks (for Brands Hatch).

Military personnel who will be using the free travel do not need train tickets and the rail staff will allow them into the station at the ticket gates. All military personnel must carry and show their MOD Form 90 personnel ID,

Military personnel who travel out of uniform outside of the designated Greater London Fare Zones 1-9 are required to pay regular train fare. Those who do not follow the arrangements will face a penalty fare.