McCallister hails Free travel for over 60's

UUP Regional Development Committee Member John McCallister MLA has gladly welcomed the Transport Minister's announcement that people in Northern Ireland, aged 60-64 will, for the first time, be able to travel on public transport free of charge from 1st October this year.

Mr McCallister said: "This extension to the Concessionary Fares Scheme is long overdue and will hopefully give older people the access to more independence and free travel like the rest of the United Kingdom."

Free travel is only available to those eligible passengers in receipt of a 60+ SmartPass which they will need to apply for. From today eligible persons will be able to obtain an application form for a SmartPass by telephoning 0845 600 0049

The Department for Regional Development and Translink have made special arrangements for applicants to take their application forms in person to one of 27 application centres, mainly bus and train stations, throughout the north during July and August.

As the UUP elected representative for South Down "I would strongly encourage all eligible passengers to take advantage of this opportunity and to apply for their SmartPass as soon as possible." He concluded