SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said the maintaining of free public transport for over 60s as part of the Department for Infrastructure Concessionary Fares Scheme is welcome but has lamented the Executive’s continued failure to invest in public transport.
Earlier this month, Translink announced another unavoidable fare increase for bus and rail passengers.
The move marks the third public transport fare increase within the last 15 months.
Applicants for a free travel bus will now have to pay £20 to access the scheme.
Those over 60 can apply for a Translink Smartpass but will now be subject to an application fee, expected to be about £20 for those aged 60-64.
Over-60s are entitled to travel on public buses and trains for free in the North of Ireland regardless of their income.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The retention of the over 60s SmartPass is welcome news, though I can’t help but feel it should have been made sooner, given the clear indications leading up to this point.
“It is great to see people power in action and I thank everyone who responded to the consultation.
“First and foremost, the purpose of the Concessionary Fare Scheme is to promote accessible public transport – this will of course do just that and encourage more people out of their cars and on to our buses and trains.
“However, this is just a fraction of shift in gear that’s needed. Translink have been forced to increase fares for others, pricing people out of public transport as a direct result of a complete lack of investment from the Executive.
“Not only is the public footing the bill for their failure but it’s completely counterintuitive to the aim of encouraging people to use more sustainable modes of transport.
“At the same time governments in other jurisdictions are driving investment towards public transport and passing on savings to passengers.
“This disparity in action is perfectly exemplified in the ludicrous fact that rail passengers travelling from Belfast to Dublin are paying double the price than those going the opposite direction.
“If the Executive is serious about tackling the climate emergency, steps must be taken to make cleaner modes of transport a more accessible, affordable option for everyone.”
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