AQO 1650/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 18/02/2021
Answered On Date: 01/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she intends to move the Half Fare SmartPass Scheme to a full fare concession.

Answer:

I fully recognise the role that concessionary travel can play in opening up access to public transport, enabling those within our communities to better connect with people and opportunities, and the value that our communities attach to concessionary travel.

I have engaged with groups campaigning for change to the Concessionary Fares Scheme, including those advocating extending free travel to those groups presently in receipt of half fare travel. This is something I am keen to consider, however given the ongoing underfunding of the Concessionary Fares Scheme, it is not a decision I can make lightly.

I understand that extending free travel to these groups would be welcomed by those groups affected. Such a move would benefit particularly vulnerable groups and support a number of outcomes within the Programme for Government.

In considering any extension of the Scheme, I have to consider the equality issues associated with any such decision, as well as the affordability considerations. These are particularly pertinent given that the Scheme has been underfunded in each of the last five years and any further concessions would compound the situation. I have engaged with the Finance Minister on this issue.