AQW 2809/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 27/02/2020
Answered On Date: 12/03/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail what plans she has to review the SmartPass system to enable people (i) with visual impairments; (ii) who are registered blind; and (iii) who are unable to drive to be able to access free travel.

Answer:

People who are registered blind currently enjoy access to free travel on public transport through the Concessionary Fares Scheme.

I recognise the multiple benefits delivered by the Concessionary Fares Scheme and I am determined to preserve the travel discounts offered on public transport to the most vulnerable groups in society despite the severe constraints in my Department’s budget.

I have met with the Smart Pass Equality Campaign to better understand the impact of half fare travel concessions, however the Concessionary Fares Scheme, as with many areas across my Department, is already under significant pressure, reflecting the severe and challenging budget constraints under which my Department has operated over recent years. Therefore, in advance of taking decisions, I will be assessing the full range of pressures, reflecting on my priorities, the commitments in “New Decade: New Approach” and the budget made available for the period ahead.

I have raised the need for additional investment in infrastructure with the Finance Minister and Executive colleagues, and as this is an Executive scheme I will be having discussions with Executive colleagues to address budgetary pressures in my budget.