FROM tomorrow, 16 and 17-years in full-time education can travel for free on buses and trams in London.

About 130,000 16 and 17-year-olds living in the Londonin full-time education or unwaged training can apply for a 16-17 Oyster photocard, offering them free travel on the capital's bus and tram network.

The smartcard will also allow them to travel at half the adult fare on the Tube and DLR.

The scheme follows the abolition of fares on buses and trams for under 16s and for under 11s on the Tube.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: "It is a huge boost for individuals striving to fulfil their full potential through continued studies and will greatly help those who might be at risk of having to drop out of education through lack of money.

"This move also continues the policy of promoting the use of public transport wherever possible which is helping to protect our environment."

The initiative was welcomed by a number of education and training organisations.

Association of Colleges London Region director Jenny Lo said the move would benefit all students across London.

"Many of them come from disadvantaged families and removing the cost of travel will not only help them travel to college, but will also help students in research or vocational projects to get to and from libraries or work-based training and learning places that will help with their studies," she said.

Application forms for the new 16-17 Oyster photocard will be available from Post Offices. Schools and colleges have also been invited to distribute forms.

Applications will be accepted at Post Offices as soon as schools and colleges re-open in September.

All 16 and 17 year olds not in full-time education or who reside outside London will continue to be able to apply for a half-fare concession on adult rate Oyster single fares, and 7-day, monthly and longer period Travelcards, Bus Passes and Tube only season tickets.