Free Travel Scheme Extended for Non-PensionersFree Travel Scheme Extended for Non-Pensioners The Irish government has announced the expansion of its Free Travel Scheme, making it available to individuals who have never been able to drive due to a disability or who have been deemed unfit to drive for over a year. Previously, the scheme was limited to seniors aged 66 and older. This change is a significant step towards promoting independence for disabled individuals. Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys emphasizes that it will allow them to travel for work and daily activities without the burden of additional transportation costs or reliance on others for transportation. Over 30,000 individuals are expected to benefit from this extension. Epilepsy Ireland, which advocated for the change, has welcomed the move, stating that it marks the culmination of a long-standing campaign. The charity believes the measure will impact not just the epilepsy community but also countless others with medical conditions or disabilities that restrict their ability to drive. The Free Travel Pass allows passengers to travel for free on all state-owned public transport in Ireland. The scheme is already available to seniors aged 66 and over. With this extension, it will now be accessible to a wider range of individuals, providing them with greater mobility and independence.
People who have never been able to drive due to a disability, or people who have a driving licence but have been deemed unfit to drive for 12 months or more, can now take advantage of the free travel pass scheme.
The scheme was already available to people aged 66 and over living in Ireland and allows passengers to travel for free on all state-owned public transport.
The measure was introduced as part of Budget 2024 and marks the first time that someone who does not receive a pension or qualifying social benefit will be able to use the scheme.
The measure was introduced as part of Budget 2024 and will be the first time anyone who is not in receipt of a pension or qualifying Social Welfare Payment will be able to access the scheme. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie
It is reported that more than 30,000 people will benefit from the change.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys spoke of her enthusiasm for the changes after the launch at Connolly Station.
“This will benefit people with different disabilities and conditions that prevent them from driving,” she said. “It will give people more independence so they can travel to work and go about their daily lives without having to worry about extra transport costs or having to rely on someone else to pick them up.”
The scheme was already available to people aged 66 and over living in Ireland and allows passengers to travel for free on all state-owned public transport. Photo: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
Minister Humphreys praised Epilepsy Ireland, which campaigned for the change.
Paddy McGeoghegan, advocacy and communications manager at Epilepsy Ireland, said the change in plan “marks the end of a long-standing campaign” by the charity.
He said: ‘It has been heartening to receive messages over the last few weeks from people with epilepsy who have been approved for the extended scheme, telling us how much this new measure means to them.
“It is a measure that will reach far beyond the epilepsy community and will help thousands of others who face driving restrictions due to a medical condition or disability.”
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