:: press release ::

Friday August 29, 2008

THOSE 60+ IN EAST ANTRIM NEED TO GET APPLICATIONS IN QUICKLY FOR FREE TRAVEL

East Antrim DUP MLA, Alastair Ross, said today:

"From 1st October, those aged sixty and above will be entitled to completely
free, unlimited transport on Translink bus and rail services across Northern
Ireland. However in order to be able to benefit from this policy from the
start date in autumn, people must apply by 29th August for the 60+
SmartPass.

Individuals can call 0845 600 0049 or go to the www.60smartpass.info
website. Completed application forms must then be brought to local bus and
rail stations. Over the summer applications will only be processed at these
dedicated application centres.

The original free fares scheme introduced by Gregory Campbell was one of the
most popular measures introduced during the old Assembly. This extension to
the scheme incorporating those aged 60-64 too gives Northern Ireland
passengers the same free travel rights as those living in the rest of the
United Kingdom. Undoubtedly it will now become an even more popular scheme.

This free public transport scheme is eligible to 90,000 people in the
province and will assist them to maintain active lives. It also has the
knock-on benefit of taking people out of cars and reducing congestion.

So far applications have been received from only about 20% of those
eligible. I encourage those who can avail of this opportunity to avoid
disappointment and ensure they request their application forms straight away
and return them as quickly as possible".