‘Ending over-60s bus passes would be a disaster’

WHEN it comes to the question of who gets free or discounted public transport and who does not, the North is governed by a unique set of rules – but soon these could all be set to change.

In the near future, those aged between 60 and 65 – or possibly even retirement age – could lose their free bus and train passes.

Today (Thursday) brings an end to a 12 week public consultation where the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has been asking people their views on potential changes to public transport concessions.

Among the changes being considered by DfI is to remove the over-60 SmartPass, thereby raising the age of eligibility for free bus and train passes to 65 or even retirement age.

One local man has said that for him and his wife this would not only have financial ramifications, but would create significant safety risks by forcing them to drive on dangerous roads.

Speaking with the UH, railway historian and campaigner Tony McGartland explained how a decision by the Department of Infrastructure to remove the free over-60s SmartPass would have life-diminishing consequences for local people of his age.

“As grandparents, my wife and I find the 60-plus travel card very convenient as we make regular trips to see our grandchildren in Ballymoney and Bangor,” began Mr McGartland, who recently published a seminal book on Omagh’s railway history.

“As we are now both retired, we find it expensive to use a car and we are also conscious of our safety on the road.”

In both England and the Republic, passengers have to wait until they reach retirement age before being entitled to free public transport, whereas travellers in the North can enjoy the same privilege the day they turn 60.

LESS AFFORDABLE

However, DfI, claim that providing SmartPasses is becoming ever-less affordable, with next year’s bill forecast at £44.6 million, and are considering raising the concession age, thus removing the over-60s SmartPass.

In Mr McGartland’s opinion, this would be “a total disaster.”

“As well as our regular visits to Ballymoney, my wife and I travel to Bangor at least once a fortnight and enjoy taking the bus from Omagh to Belfast and then a connecting train journey on to Bangor.

“This takes us right to our daughter’s door. It is brilliant.”

As a champion of rail travel, Tony said the over-60s SmartPass gives people of his age the freedom to travel everywhere and anywhere they want in the North.

“It is good for your mental health to be out and about meeting other people and enjoying the sights from a bus or train window.

“For some folks, losing their SmartPass would mean being stuck at home, unable to get access to shops, isolated from friends and family. It would impact upon their health eventually.”

No changes, however, have yet been implemented, and it remains to be seen how the DfI’s ‘Consultation on changes to the Concessionary Fares Scheme’ will affect current policies governing the public transport costs.