Over 40,000 Older People Take Up All-Ireland Free Travel Scheme Cards

The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Martin Cullen TD, confirmed on Tuesday that over 40,000 older people in Ireland have received Senior Smartpass cards in the first year of the all-Ireland Free Travel Scheme.

The all-Ireland Free Travel Scheme for seniors resident in all parts of the island, was introduced on foot of a commitment in the previous Programme for Government (2002-2007).

The scheme enables seniors (over 66) resident in the Republic to travel free of charge on all bus and rail services the North. Likewise, seniors (over 65) there can travel free of charge on bus, rail and ferry services participating in the Free Travel scheme in this State.

Speaking on the eve of the first anniversary of the scheme's 2007 launch, he said: "This All-Ireland Free Travel initiative has opened up limitless travel opportunities for older people all over the island. To date, some 40,000 southern seniors have applied to the Department of Social and Family Affairs for their all-Ireland free travel pass which effectively provides this concession to travel without charge all over the island." Minister Martin Cullen TD added: "This scheme is delivering a very practical benefit to older residents on the island both North and South and I would encourage those eligible for the card to make use of this special all-island arrangement facilitating unrestricted free travel for older people."

Dr John Lynch, the Chairman of CIE, said: "The CIE group of companies are delighted with the success of the Department of Social and Family Affairs all-Ireland free travel facility, since its introduction last April. With even better trains and buses and ever increasing frequency there has never been a better time to avail of public transport."

The cost of operating the all-Ireland Free Travel scheme in 2007 amounted to some €360,000 and provision has been made for funding of up to €1 million in 2008.