Extension of Free Travel Scheme

From September 29, 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.

This applies to 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.

Fianna Fáil Minister, Niamh Smyth, has welcomed the announcement from Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, and the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD of the extension of the Free Travel Scheme for those aged 70 and over.

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

Minister Smyth said: "I am delighted to welcome this significant expansion of the Free Travel Scheme, announced by Minister Dara Calleary and Minister Darragh O'Brien.

"The announcement means that everybody with a valid Free Travel Companion Public Services Card in Cavan and Monaghan will be able to bring another person with them on their journey on all public and certain private transport services participating in the Free Travel Scheme.

"This is expected to benefit over 16,000 people in Cavan/Monaghan aged 70 and over, giving older people freedom of choice and greater independence and security when travelling," she said.