Concessionary fares for more people with disabilities

NIO Minister, John Spellar has announced the extension of the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme.

The extended scheme means four new groups of people with disabilities will be entitled to concessionary travel on Northern Ireland's bus and rail services.

First announced in February 2003, the extension, which will begin on April 1, will provide half fare travel on all public transport in Northern Ireland for:

• Those who are partially sighted
• Those who are eligible for the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance at both the higher and lower rates
• Those people with a learning disability who feature on the records of Health and Social Services Trusts
• Those people who have been refused a driving licence in Northern Ireland on medical grounds.

The extension to the Scheme will give eligible travellers a 50% reduction on the standard adult single fare on scheduled bus and rail services in Northern Ireland.

People who think they may be entitled to this concession should pick up an application form from their local bus or rail station, social security office, Health and Social Services Trust, DVLNI, or by phoning 0845 600 0049.

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