Northern Ireland Concessionary Travel Advice

Bus travel is a very convenient way to travel in the UK, as there is an extensive public transport system in place that allows residents to get into town to go to work or school if they live out in the sticks, run errands, go shopping or take a holiday tour. But how can you obtain a free or reduced-rate bus pass in Northern Ireland?

Those Who Qualify for Concessionary Travel in Northern Ireland

Those who are aged 60 and above, or people with a disability may be entitled to concessionary travel on buses and trains in Northern Ireland. Once a senior citizen reaches 65, they also qualify for free travel throughout the Republic of Ireland, as well as Northern Ireland.

As well as providing free bus passes to the elderly and disabled, Translink and some other transport operators, also offer half fare travel for children and youngsters up until 30 June after they turn 16.

Concessionary Fares Scheme

According to NI Direct, the Concessionary Fares scheme was set up to help encourage members of the community to become more mobile, particularly the elderly and disabled, who are most often at a higher risk of social exclusion from the community. If you are 60 years of age or older, registered blind and a War Disablement pensioner, you can apply for a free bus pass in Northern Ireland.

Qualifying for Half Fare Travel

Half fare travel is available to passengers who are in receipt of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, who have had their driving licence revoked or refused due to a deterioration of their health, all those with a learning disability and passengers who are partially sighted.

If you qualify for concessionary travel in Northern Ireland, you must apply for a SmartPass travel card, that will allow you to travel for free, or at a reduced-rate fare.

SmartPass Holders About to Turn 65

If you hold a 60+ SmartPass travel card, but you are about to turn 65, your SmartPass will expire at the end of the calendar month when you turn 65. Those who have applied for a Senior SmartPass will have to wait until towards the end of the month they turn 65 before they receive their card.

Senior SmartPass holders can use their card for free travel within Northern Ireland and also if they wish to cross the border into the Republic of Ireland. If you have applied for the SmartPass since turning 65, you may have to wait an additional 3 weeks after you turn 65 until you are eligible to apply for the SmartPass.

Concessionary bus and rail fares are intended to help eligible residents in Northern Ireland stay mobile and avoid social exclusion which can easily occur if you are in an at-risk group. To learn more about concessionary bus and rail fares in Northern Ireland, contact NI Direct for more details.

Source:

NI Direct, Free bus travel and concessions.