| Free cross-border travel scheme launched
 THE
island-wide free travel scheme for senior citizens from the North of Ireland
and the Republic came into effect last week.
Under the scheme those aged 66 and over and who are resident in the Republic
of Ireland will be able to travel free on all bus and rail services in
the North.
Likewise, all those aged 65 and over in the North will travel free on
bus, rail, air and ferry services participating in the Free Travel Scheme
in the Republic.
Pat Carey Dublin North West TD and co-chair of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary
Body said the scheme will mean access all areas for older people.
He said: “The new scheme will allow older people to travel free
of charge on all bus and rail services in Northern Ireland. Older
people in Northern Ireland will also travel free on bus, rail, air and
ferry services participating in the Free Travel scheme in the Republic.
“It is my hope that people make the most of this great opportunity
to travel with ease around the country.”
Under the new scheme visitors from the North will be able to use their
current Senior Smartpass as a flash-pass in the Republic.
Customers from the Republic wishing to avail of free travel in the North
will require a similar electronic Senior Smartpass, which can be obtained
from the Department Of Social And Family Affairs.
It’s estimated that the new scheme launched last month by Taoiseach
Bertie Ahern and Northern Ireland Transport Minister David Cairns will
cost the taxpayer an additional £1million annually. |
