North unveils free travel pass for over 60s
Free public transport for everybody aged 60 or above was officially launched in the North today.
Over 45,000 people have applied for a 60+ SmartPass and will enjoy complimentary travel on almost all bus and rail services.
The North's Transport Minister Conor Murphy said: “Tomorrow is the International Day of Older People, and so it is particularly appropriate that from then free travel in the north of Ireland is extended for the first time to people aged 60 to 64.
“I sincerely hope that this will prove to be a significant benefit to people - saving them money, encouraging more people on to public transport and increasing their opportunities in a variety of ways.”
Extending the scheme will cost £4m (€5m) a year but it will apply only to journeys taken within the North.
There is an all-Ireland free journey scheme for those in the North aged 65.
Catherine Mason, group chief executive at Translink, said: “This is a huge milestone for 60-64 year olds in the north and will have a positive impact on people’s lives and finances in particular.
“With potentially 90,000 people now entitled to completely free public transport here for the first time, we are looking forward to giving passengers a comfortable, safe, reliable and hassle-free service across our bus and rail network."
The move was included in the recent Programme for Government.
To obtain free travel, passengers must obtain a 60+ SmartPass. An application form is available for a SmartPass by telephoning 0845 600 0049 or visiting www.sixtysmartpass.info.
