AQW 25744/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 07/04/2025
Answered On Date: 30/04/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the estimated cost to Translink for introducing free travel for disabled people, for (i) off-peak; and (ii) at all times.

Answer:

To extend free travel to those currently in receipt of a Half Fare SmartPass may cost in excess of £889k which is the cost to my Department of reimbursing Half Fare journeys to Translink in 2024/25 (excluding £177k costs for journeys on Glider services as these journeys are free). Therefore, the costs would potentially double.

However, it is difficult to estimate a cost as demand may be impacted in terms of the numbers applying and using their SmartPass, people potentially using it more because it is free and reimbursement rates to Translink.

There would be no difference between off peak and at all times.