AQW 51003/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 17/11/2015
Answered On Date: 30/11/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether funding is available to protect the Senior Citizen Smart Pass for people aged 65 years and older, for 2015/16.

Answer:

I fully support the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme, which includes the Senior Citizen Smart Pass for people over 65. This element of the scheme contributes in a very positive way to reducing social isolation for older people and in revitalising Public Transport.

I welcome the additional £2m funding for Concessionary Fares that was provided to my Department in November monitoring. This additional funding will support the provision of the Senior Citizen Smart Pass element of the scheme in 2015/16.