Menu
11/12/2001
Proposal to ensure access to free transport for war disabled
Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson has announced he intends to introduce free travel for War Disabled Pensioners under 65 years old.
Mr Robinson made his comments during Department for Regional Development questions, at the Assembly, in reply to a question on the number of passes issued since the introduction of free travel for senior citizens at the beginning of October.
Speaking on Monday December 10 Mr Robinson said: “Following the successful introduction of my free travel initiative for senior citizens, I am keen to widen the Concessionary Fares Scheme further to include War Disabled Pensioners under 65.
“They have always been regarded as an especially deserving group in Northern Ireland and I have written to the Finance Minister seeking his agreement for my proposal that they be eligible for free travel alongside registered blind people and senior citizens.”
At present there are about 2,500 War Disabled Pensioners in Northern Ireland who would fall into this category. Mr Robinson also revealed that 12,621 senior citizen concession passes were issued since the free travel scheme was introduced since October this year.
The Minister said: “Preliminary figures show that the number of older people travelling since the introduction of free travel has increased by 28 per cent on Ulsterbus, around 35 per cent on Northern Ireland Railways and almost 50 per cent on Citybus.
“I am pleased to report the positive response that my free travel initiative has received. It is enabling many older people to enjoy the benefits of enhanced mobility and is making an important contribution towards addressing social needs in the community.” (AMcE)
Mr Robinson made his comments during Department for Regional Development questions, at the Assembly, in reply to a question on the number of passes issued since the introduction of free travel for senior citizens at the beginning of October.
Speaking on Monday December 10 Mr Robinson said: “Following the successful introduction of my free travel initiative for senior citizens, I am keen to widen the Concessionary Fares Scheme further to include War Disabled Pensioners under 65.
“They have always been regarded as an especially deserving group in Northern Ireland and I have written to the Finance Minister seeking his agreement for my proposal that they be eligible for free travel alongside registered blind people and senior citizens.”
At present there are about 2,500 War Disabled Pensioners in Northern Ireland who would fall into this category. Mr Robinson also revealed that 12,621 senior citizen concession passes were issued since the free travel scheme was introduced since October this year.
The Minister said: “Preliminary figures show that the number of older people travelling since the introduction of free travel has increased by 28 per cent on Ulsterbus, around 35 per cent on Northern Ireland Railways and almost 50 per cent on Citybus.
“I am pleased to report the positive response that my free travel initiative has received. It is enabling many older people to enjoy the benefits of enhanced mobility and is making an important contribution towards addressing social needs in the community.” (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 March 2024
Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme Threatens Tourism Growth
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has raised concerns over the introduction of the British Government Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme. Meeting with the NI Tourism Alliance (NITA), the Minister said that the scheme could threaten Northern Ireland's tourism growth.
Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme Threatens Tourism Growth
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has raised concerns over the introduction of the British Government Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme. Meeting with the NI Tourism Alliance (NITA), the Minister said that the scheme could threaten Northern Ireland's tourism growth.
03 April 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.
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.
17 April 2024
Health Minister Urged To Commit To Date For Free Hospital Staff Parking
The SDLP have called on the Health Minister to commit to a firm date for the introduction of free hospital parking for staff. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath was speaking after second stage of the Hospital Parking Charges Bill in the Assembly on Tuesday.
Health Minister Urged To Commit To Date For Free Hospital Staff Parking
The SDLP have called on the Health Minister to commit to a firm date for the introduction of free hospital parking for staff. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath was speaking after second stage of the Hospital Parking Charges Bill in the Assembly on Tuesday.
15 February 2023
Green Party Proposes Pilot Car Free Days Scheme
The Green Party has brought forward a proposal for a pilot scheme of car free days across their Borough's towns, villages and City. Highlighting how streets have been designed to facilitate and prioritise the movement of vehicles, Holywood and Clandeboye representative, Rachel Woods, said: "Our streets should be for people.
Green Party Proposes Pilot Car Free Days Scheme
The Green Party has brought forward a proposal for a pilot scheme of car free days across their Borough's towns, villages and City. Highlighting how streets have been designed to facilitate and prioritise the movement of vehicles, Holywood and Clandeboye representative, Rachel Woods, said: "Our streets should be for people.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A fine dry days weather with sunshine quite widespread, particularly from mid-morning. Temperatures best across southern districts. North to northwesy breezes occasionally freshening around the coasts. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Most dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost in the south for some. Cloudier around northern coasts where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
