‘Make your views known on future of free bus pass’

Second Opinion: Barry McElduff

I wish to highlight that the deadline for the Department for Infrastructure’s (DfI) consultation on proposed changes to the Department’s policy on free and discounted public transport fares is Thursday, August 24.

I am calling on our local community, both rural and urban, both interested individuals and representative, stakeholder groups to respond to this hugely important consultation.

I say, ‘Be heard on public transport fares, and make your views known’.

The current Scheme provides free and half fare travel on public transport, via a SmartPass, for several groups of people, including children, senior citizens over the age of 60 and some people with disabilities.

Current proposals include increasing the age eligibility rule to 65 or older.

The scheme is funded by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and administered by Translink.

Concessionary travel has long since played a vital role in reducing social isolation, and also in ensuring that many people have appropriate access to educational and economic opportunities.

The social, educational and economic arguments are self-evident.

So, too, are the environmental arguments compelling, helping as they do more people to make the switch from private car use to public transport.

Everyone accepts that there is a need to take action against climate change and for there to be a modal change from private car ownership to public transport. Improving access to public transport is crucial in this wider agenda.

I would contend that the scheme has made a greater difference to rural people than even to people living in cities. Local people, especially older people and people with disabilities, have told me repeatedly how important this scheme is in terms of helping them to overcome isolation and to be connected.

That is why we in Omagh and in counties Tyrone and Fermanagh need to really sit up and pay attention.

At present, we are facing the potential double-whammy of seeing our rural transport providers, such as Easilink, under threat, while at the same time, dealing with proposals to reduce the number of people who are eligible for concessionary fares on public transport.

It is time for local voices to be heard. Don’t miss the consultation deadline of 5pm on Thursday, August 24.

The consultation document can be accessed online. Alternatively, if you need a version of this document in a different format, please contact the Department (DfI) and tell them what format you need.

Here’s how to contact them: NI Concessionary Fares Scheme Consultation, Public Transport Policy Division, Room G23, Clarence Court, 10-18 Adelaide Street, Belfast, BT2 8GB; telephone: 028 90542977; email: niconcessionary-faresconsultation@ infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.

Barry McElduff is a local councillor for the Omagh town area.