Menu
16/02/2007
All Ireland free travel for older people
Transport Minister, David Cairns, has today launched the All Ireland Free Travel Scheme for older people with the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern and Irish Social and Family Affairs Minister, Séamus Brennan at Connolly Station in Dublin.
Commenting on the launch, the Minister said: “The introduction in 2002 of free travel in Northern Ireland through the Concessionary Fares Scheme, has resulted in over 200,000 senior citizens enjoying greater levels of mobility and independence than ever before.
“Today we can confirm that the new All Ireland Free Travel Scheme will begin on 2 April. Northern Ireland Senior SmartPass holders will also be able to use their existing SmartPasses to obtain free travel on public transport throughout the island of Ireland.”
The Minister also took the opportunity to remind Northern Ireland senior citizens to check the expiry date on
their Senior SmartPass, to be sure of obtaining free travel.
“This new Scheme increases the benefits of carrying a valid Senior SmartPass, so I would ask all passholders to check whether their pass is due to expire shortly. The Department has set up a dedicated user helpline 0845 600 0049 for those who need further information.”
Since 1995 Northern Ireland senior citizens have been eligible for free travel either to or from single destinations in the Republic of Ireland while senior citizens from the Republic have enjoyed a similar concession in Northern Ireland. The new Scheme will enable senior citizens to travel free-of-charge throughout the island of Ireland. A public consultation took place last summer which welcomed the initiative. Northern Ireland senior citizens aged 65+ are eligible for free travel. In the Republic of Ireland, senior citizens are eligible for the concession when they turn 66.
The current annual cost of providing concessionary fares for senior citizens is £9.7 million. It is estimated that the all-island extension will cost an additional £1 million annually.
(EF)
Commenting on the launch, the Minister said: “The introduction in 2002 of free travel in Northern Ireland through the Concessionary Fares Scheme, has resulted in over 200,000 senior citizens enjoying greater levels of mobility and independence than ever before.
“Today we can confirm that the new All Ireland Free Travel Scheme will begin on 2 April. Northern Ireland Senior SmartPass holders will also be able to use their existing SmartPasses to obtain free travel on public transport throughout the island of Ireland.”
The Minister also took the opportunity to remind Northern Ireland senior citizens to check the expiry date on
their Senior SmartPass, to be sure of obtaining free travel.
“This new Scheme increases the benefits of carrying a valid Senior SmartPass, so I would ask all passholders to check whether their pass is due to expire shortly. The Department has set up a dedicated user helpline 0845 600 0049 for those who need further information.”
Since 1995 Northern Ireland senior citizens have been eligible for free travel either to or from single destinations in the Republic of Ireland while senior citizens from the Republic have enjoyed a similar concession in Northern Ireland. The new Scheme will enable senior citizens to travel free-of-charge throughout the island of Ireland. A public consultation took place last summer which welcomed the initiative. Northern Ireland senior citizens aged 65+ are eligible for free travel. In the Republic of Ireland, senior citizens are eligible for the concession when they turn 66.
The current annual cost of providing concessionary fares for senior citizens is £9.7 million. It is estimated that the all-island extension will cost an additional £1 million annually.
(EF)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 June 2006
Free cross-border travel for pensioners plans revealed
The British and Irish governments are planning to offer pensioners unlimited free travel throughout Ireland.
Free cross-border travel for pensioners plans revealed
The British and Irish governments are planning to offer pensioners unlimited free travel throughout Ireland.
03 April 2002
Minister lauds free travel initiative as a success story
More than 90,000 senior citizens have already applied for their SmartPasses that will entitle them to free travel with Translink, the Minister for Social Development Nigel Dodds has said.
Minister lauds free travel initiative as a success story
More than 90,000 senior citizens have already applied for their SmartPasses that will entitle them to free travel with Translink, the Minister for Social Development Nigel Dodds has said.
30 April 2002
May Day brings free travel for NI's pensioners
Senior citizens across Northern Ireland will be able to travel completely free on all of Northern Ireland’s transport services from May Day.
May Day brings free travel for NI's pensioners
Senior citizens across Northern Ireland will be able to travel completely free on all of Northern Ireland’s transport services from May Day.
11 December 2001
Proposal to ensure access to free transport for war disabled
Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson has announced he intends to introduce free travel for War Disabled Pensioners under 65 years old.
Proposal to ensure access to free transport for war disabled
Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson has announced he intends to introduce free travel for War Disabled Pensioners under 65 years old.
01 October 2001
Free travel for province’s senior citizens
Senior citizens took to the roads across Northern Ireland for free as the initiative enabling them to travel free came into effect on Monday October 1.
Free travel for province’s senior citizens
Senior citizens took to the roads across Northern Ireland for free as the initiative enabling them to travel free came into effect on Monday October 1.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
