arla Lockhart said:

“Since 2008, those aged 60 and over and living in Northern Ireland have been eligible to apply for a ‘SmartPass’, allowing the card holder to travel anywhere in Northern Ireland on any Translink bus or rail service, and a number of coach services, completely free of charge.

This is a fantastic scheme, enabling people to use public transport to get out and about, stay active, and socialise.

Recently the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has instructed local Government Departments to consider ways to save money, or to increase revenue from the services they deliver. One proposal put forward is that the age at which you are eligible for free transport be increased to 65. I am opposed to this change, and am asking people to join my campaign to Keep Free Public Transport for Over 60’s in Northern Ireland!

To make your voice heard, you can respond to the consultation by the Department for Infrastructure in a number of ways. My office has a draft consultation response letter available for you to sign. Please call in to either my Lurgan or Portadown Office for a copy, or simply to sign and we will forward to the Department on your behalf. We can also post you a copy of the letter – to request this please telephone 02838 310088 or email carlalockhartmp.office@parliament.uk

You can also respond online: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-changes-concessionary-fares[1]scheme

It is vitally important that the voice of those most impacted by this proposed change is heard, and that the Department are told how important free transport is to the lives of those who can avail of this service. Please join me in this campaign!”