11 October 2002

Translink today welcomed the Regional Development Ministers launch of a consultation paper on possible extensions to concessionary fares on public transport in Northern Ireland.

Translink Head of Marketing, Ciaran Rogan, commented, The NI Concessionary Fares Scheme is vital in assisting certain groups in society to access public transport. The Senior Smartpass, which was launched in May 2002, is an example of how successful concessionary fares can be in encouraging the use of public transport. The Senior Smartpass has been a resounding success over 143,000 Smartpasses have been issued to over 65s and war pensioners in Northern Ireland, with over 3 million journeys made under the scheme.

Translink welcomes the consultation paper on further extending the NI Concessionary Fares Scheme, and we would encourage all interested parties to respond.

Ends

Issued by Kathryn Campbell
Public Relations Officer
028 9089 9455