A proposal which may enable pensioners and other groups to have free access to public transport on both sides of the border has been welcomed by Age Action today.
Spokesman Mr Paul Murray said such a scheme, which would extend the range of travel for older people and make their continued inclusion in society stronger, is to be lauded.
The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms Coughlan has confirmed that the scheme was discussed with her Northern Ireland Office counterpart Mr John Spellar in Belfast last Monday.
Currently, pass holders in the Republic and in Northern Ireland are entitled to free cross border journeys. However they are not entitled to free travel within the other jurisdiction.
Under the plan being considered by both governments, senior citizens in
Northern Ireland with a Senior Smart Pass would be able travel free within the
Irish Republic.
Holders of the Republic's Free Travel pass would also be able to travel at no
cost in internal journeys in Northern Ireland.
Ms Coughlan revealed both governments were looking at the
possibility of introducing a smart card similar to one being developed by the
Rail Procurement Agency for the greater Dublin area.
"Issuing these new smart cards to pensioners and other eligible social
welfare client groups is scheduled to commence within the next year," Ms
Coughlan said.
"The use of this type of smart card may hold the key to resolving many of the
administrative difficulties in operating the proposed All-Ireland Free Travel
scheme on both sides of the border.
"Minister Spellar and I agreed that it would be useful to ensure that the
smartcards used for public transport and concessionary travel purposes are as
compatible as possible to facilitate cross-border journeys."
Nearly 600,000 people qualify for the State's free travel pass scheme.
Additional reporting PA