Menu
30/09/2008
Pensioners Go 'On The Buses' - Free
Thousands of over 60s are ready to roll already as NI Transport Minister Conor Murphy today officially launched free travel on public transport for people aged 60 to 64.
He revealed that over 45,000 people have already applied for a 60+ SmartPass which means that from tomorrow, October 1st, they can travel free of charge, without any time restrictions, on nearly all scheduled bus and rail services here.
Speaking at the Europa Bus Centre in Belfast, the Minister 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.
"I would wholeheartedly encourage all eligible passengers to take advantage of this opportunity and to apply for their SmartPass if they have not already done so."
Mr Murphy said that the extension of free travel to people aged 60 and over is welcome and long overdue: "It demonstrates once again how a locally-elected and locally-accountable assembly can improve the lives of local people."
Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive, NITHCo and Translink, said: "This is a huge milestone for 60-64 year olds 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.
"I would encourage those who have not yet applied for the 60 + SmartPass to do so and take advantage of the perks of free travel," she said.
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
(BMcC)
He revealed that over 45,000 people have already applied for a 60+ SmartPass which means that from tomorrow, October 1st, they can travel free of charge, without any time restrictions, on nearly all scheduled bus and rail services here.
Speaking at the Europa Bus Centre in Belfast, the Minister 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.
"I would wholeheartedly encourage all eligible passengers to take advantage of this opportunity and to apply for their SmartPass if they have not already done so."
Mr Murphy said that the extension of free travel to people aged 60 and over is welcome and long overdue: "It demonstrates once again how a locally-elected and locally-accountable assembly can improve the lives of local people."
Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive, NITHCo and Translink, said: "This is a huge milestone for 60-64 year olds 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.
"I would encourage those who have not yet applied for the 60 + SmartPass to do so and take advantage of the perks of free travel," she said.
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
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 February 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.
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.
01 June 2023
Free Travel SmartPass Age Could Be Raised
The Department of Infrastructure has launched a public consultation for views on potential changes to the free travel SmartPass. The current SmartPass was introduced in 2008 and provides free travel to those over 60-years-old.
Free Travel SmartPass Age Could Be Raised
The Department of Infrastructure has launched a public consultation for views on potential changes to the free travel SmartPass. The current SmartPass was introduced in 2008 and provides free travel to those over 60-years-old.
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.
15 February 2023
Green Party Proposes Pilot Car Free Days Scheme
The Green Party has brought forward a proposal for a pilot scheme of car free days across their Borough's towns, villages and City. Highlighting how streets have been designed to facilitate and prioritise the movement of vehicles, Holywood and Clandeboye representative, Rachel Woods, said: "Our streets should be for people.
Green Party Proposes Pilot Car Free Days Scheme
The Green Party has brought forward a proposal for a pilot scheme of car free days across their Borough's towns, villages and City. Highlighting how streets have been designed to facilitate and prioritise the movement of vehicles, Holywood and Clandeboye representative, Rachel Woods, said: "Our streets should be for people.
20 June 2008
On The Buses - Free!
Free travel is being extended to people below pension age for the first time. NI Transport Minister Conor Murphy announced today that people aged 60-64 will be able to travel on public transport for free for the first time. He said that it is hoped the plans to extend free travel on public transport will take place from 1 October this year.
On The Buses - Free!
Free travel is being extended to people below pension age for the first time. NI Transport Minister Conor Murphy announced today that people aged 60-64 will be able to travel on public transport for free for the first time. He said that it is hoped the plans to extend free travel on public transport will take place from 1 October this year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
