Summary of Responses - Consultation on changes to the Concessionary Fares Scheme
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On 1st June 2023, the Department published a consultation on proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for the NI Concessionary Fares Scheme. The consultation closed on 24 August 2023.
The consultation asked for views on proposed changes to the Concessionary Fares Scheme which aimed to ensure the Scheme is financially sustainable in the longer term and targeted at those who are most vulnerable, or liable, to social exclusion. The consultation sought to understand the impacts of the proposals on current and future users of the Scheme and was designed to inform our review of concessionary fares and future work in this area.
Having considered the outcome of the public consultation, the Minister intends to make no changes to the age eligibility for the Scheme. All SmartPass holders will also continue to be able to travel on both bus and rail at any time of the day.
However, in order to help protect the Scheme and manage costs the Minister intends to introduce fees for those applying for, renewing or replacing their SmartPass. Further detail on the proposed fees and exemptions that may apply will be provided prior to their introduction.
As a result of the financial pressures facing the Department, the Minister is not in a position to extend the half-fare concession to free travel, introduce companion travel, extend the eligibility criteria for those with disabilities, or provide free travel for asylum seekers this year but will reconsider introduction of these options in the future if the financial position allows.
The Minister will however remove the three-month residency condition and extend the list of accepted documentation to prove residency. This will help make the Scheme more accessible to those who are already eligible.
Documents
- NI Concessionary Fares - Summary of Responses - Main Report
- NI Concessionary Fares - Summary of Responses - Summary Report
- NI Concessionary Fares - Summary of Responses - Survey Responses Snapshot
- NI Concessionary Fares - Summary of Responses - Easy Read version
- NI Concessionary Fares Stage 6 Equality Impact Assessment Report
- NI Concessionary Fares Addendum to Stage 6 Equality Impact Assessment Report
- NI Concessionary Fares Rural Needs Impact Assessment