The 2009 budget has come and gone and the good news for pensioners is that their weekly payments remain intact. Older people are aware that they are entitled to free travel after they reach pension age. The introduction of this initative for our senior citizens was one the few positive enduring legacies of the late Charlie Haughey and it is a wonderful benefit to those who use it. If you are fit and able, it is a very smart way to see the country at your leisure with like minded friends. Ireland has so much to offer by way of scenery and heritage sights that one might not have had a chance to see during their busy working lives when rearing families was the priority.
In addition to free travel, many hotels offer senior citizen packages that are heavily discounted. Everyone aged 66 and over living permanently in Ireland, is entitled to avail of the scheme. Certain people under that age are also entitled. In some cases, a free companion pass may be available to allow a person to accompany the pass holder. If you qualify for it, you will be issued with a pass that you must carry with you when using public transport. Passes are non-transferable and can only be used by the named person.
Free travel is available on all State public transport (bus, rail and Dublin’s LUAS service). Free travel is also available on a limited number of services that are operated by private bus transport companies. If you have a free pass and you are married or cohabiting (that is, living with a man or woman as husband and wife), you are entitled to a Pass which allows your partner to accompany you free of charge when travelling. In addition, some people who are unable to use the pass because they are unable to travel alone may get a Companion Pass. This allows the holder to be accompanied by any person over 16 years of age, free of charge.
The scheme allows a Free Travel pass holder (those aged 66 and older) to go free of charge on all bus and rail services within Northern Ireland using a Smartpass card. Similarly, Northern Ireland Senior Smartpass holders are entitled to go for free on services in Ireland using their existing Senior Smartpass.
The service is available on Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Dart and Luas Services and on certain private bus and ferry services. You may also get free of charge on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
If you are living on any of the Aran Islands you may get up to 12 single (or 6 return) air trips each year between the islands and the mainland. People who live permanently on Tory Island (Co. Donegal) are entitled to 8 (or 4 return) free journeys on the seasonal helicopter service operating between the island and the mainland.
There are no restrictions on the times at which you can use your Free Travel Pass. Therefore, there is no need for unrestricted passes, permitting free travel at peak times. So get out there and see your own country and be prepared to be surprised at what you encounter on the amazing island of Ireland.
Tags: bus talk, bus transportation