Ministers Calleary and O’Brien announce extension of Free Travel scheme for over 70s

• Free Travel Companion Pass available from 29 September for people aged 70 and over
• 525,000 people expected to benefit from this new measure

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, and the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, have today announced details of an extension of the Free Travel Scheme for those aged 70 and over.

From 29th September, those over 70 with a valid free travel companion Public Services Card can have another person, aged 16 or older, travel with them for free on all public and certain private transport services operated under the Free Travel scheme. This includes bus, rail, Local Link and the Luas, along with some services operated by private bus and ferry transport operators.

The Ministers made the announcement today during a visit to Heuston Station.

This measure is expected to benefit up to 525,000 Free Travel recipients aged 70 and over at a cost of €4.1m this year.

The Extension of the Scheme is supported by all Ministers in the Department of Transport – Minister Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD, and Minister of State Séan Canney TD.

Over recent months, the Department of Social Protection has written to all eligible people to let them know about the new entitlement.

Commenting today, Minister Dara Calleary said:

“I’m very pleased to announce this significant expansion of the Free Travel Scheme.

From the end of September, everyone over 70, with a valid Free Travel companion Public Services Card, will be able to bring another person with them on their journey across all public and certain private transport services participating in the Free Travel scheme.

This measure is expected to benefit up to 525,000 people aged 70 and over and I hope it will give older people freedom of choice as well as greater independence and security when travelling for reasons such as medical appointments or to attend family, leisure, or cultural activities.”

Minister Darragh O’Brien said:

“The introduction of the free Public Services Companion Pass for individuals over 70 years of age represents a meaningful advancement in inclusive and sustainable mobility. By enabling older citizens to travel with a companion at no additional cost, we are further supporting and encouraging the independent use of public transport options for all members of our communities.

The rollout of this new initiative further complements efforts towards ensuring a fully accessible public transport system and delivers on our Programme for Government commitment to identify, research and coordinate delivery of behavioural change initiatives to support modal shift and reduce car dependency, focusing on wider societal benefits of the change.”

Minister of State for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell TD said:

“I welcome the extension of the Free Travel Scheme, where those aged 70 and over can have another person travel with them for free on transport services operated under this scheme.

Initiatives such as Free Travel Companion Pass form part of Government’s continued commitment to support our older people to live full and independent lives in their communities, which includes providing greater accessibility to transport services.”

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney, said:

“This new initiative further complements efforts towards ensuring a fully accessible public transport system. This measure reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by older people in Ireland. It provides tailored support to meet their mobility needs and ensures that public transport serves all citizens, regardless of age or location.”

Estimated breakdown of beneficiaries by County as follows:

The Free Travel Scheme is currently available to everyone aged 66 or over, and to certain people who are under 66 in receipt of qualifying payments, or who meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension, and are legally living permanently in the State.

If you qualify for Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, your partner may currently travel with you for free if you meet certain criteria.

If you are under 70 and cannot travel alone for medical reasons, you may apply for Free Travel for a companion. This allows a person aged 16 or over to travel with you for free.

This new measure allows those over 70 with a valid free travel companion Public Services Card to have another person, aged 16 or older, travel with them for free.

The Free Travel Scheme allows for free travel on public transport provided by the State. This includes bus, rail, Local Link and the Luas. Free travel is also available on some services operated by private bus and ferry transport operators.

There are currently over 1.1 million people eligible for a free travel pass. This figure increases to over 1.9 million when companion and spousal passes are included.

For more information on the Free Travel Scheme visit www.Gov.ie/FreeTravel.