Menu
03/04/2002
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.
The Social Security Agency working with the Department for Regional Development and Translink have brought about the free travel initiative, which was approved by the Assembly last year.
Speaking on Wednesday April 4, Mr Dodds said: “So far we have had responses from more than 90,000 people which is very encouraging. But we will continue with the publicity effort for some time to come.
“It is vital that we do all we can to ensure that our senior citizens have access to information which gives them the opportunity to obtain the public services that are theirs by right.”
The Social Security Agency has been involved in a major mailing exercise over the past few months during which 220,000 application forms and leaflets were issued to senior citizens to publicise the introduction of the concessionary fares SmartPass on 1 May.
The campaign, the minister explained, is continuing on a quarterly basis to keep up with further people as they become eligible. A further 4,000 application forms and leaflets are being mailed across Northern Ireland over the next week.
“This will help ensure that all those who are, or will become, eligible for the new SmartPass face as little delay as possible,” Mr Dodds concluded.
(AMcE)
The Social Security Agency working with the Department for Regional Development and Translink have brought about the free travel initiative, which was approved by the Assembly last year.
Speaking on Wednesday April 4, Mr Dodds said: “So far we have had responses from more than 90,000 people which is very encouraging. But we will continue with the publicity effort for some time to come.
“It is vital that we do all we can to ensure that our senior citizens have access to information which gives them the opportunity to obtain the public services that are theirs by right.”
The Social Security Agency has been involved in a major mailing exercise over the past few months during which 220,000 application forms and leaflets were issued to senior citizens to publicise the introduction of the concessionary fares SmartPass on 1 May.
The campaign, the minister explained, is continuing on a quarterly basis to keep up with further people as they become eligible. A further 4,000 application forms and leaflets are being mailed across Northern Ireland over the next week.
“This will help ensure that all those who are, or will become, eligible for the new SmartPass face as little delay as possible,” Mr Dodds concluded.
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 September 2003
MP calls for greater protection for the elderly
North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds has urged the government to meet the needs of senior citizens who are living in fear of violent attacks.
MP calls for greater protection for the elderly
North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds has urged the government to meet the needs of senior citizens who are living in fear of violent attacks.
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.
15 August 2001
Senior citizens set to benefit from free travel
Senior citizens who currently have to pay half fares on Northern Ireland’s transport system will be able to obtain a concessionary pass that enables them to travel free of charge as of October 1 this year. A two-month publicity campaign advertising the move has been organised by Translink and funded by the Department for Regional Development.
Senior citizens set to benefit from free travel
Senior citizens who currently have to pay half fares on Northern Ireland’s transport system will be able to obtain a concessionary pass that enables them to travel free of charge as of October 1 this year. A two-month publicity campaign advertising the move has been organised by Translink and funded by the Department for Regional Development.
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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Largely dry with clear spells at first, a few showers in the north and west. Becoming cloudier with rain spreading east through the early hours. Becoming windy, westerly gales developing along the north coast. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
