:: press release ::

Tuesday June 24, 2008

ROSS ENCOURAGES OVER 60’S TO APPLY FOR SMARTPASS 

East Antrim MLA Alastair Ross has been encouraging constituents who meet the criteria to apply for their Smartpass for free public transport. This is for anyone over the age of 60.  
 

Commenting from Parliament Buildings this afternoon Mr Ross said,  
 

“Former Finance Minister Peter Robinson announced that everyone over the age of 60 will be entitled to free transport during the PfG and Budget debates last year. The scheme offering free transport to over 65’s proved to be very successful and popular during the previous Assembly and I welcome the extension to the scheme.  
 

I have been contacted by a number of constituents interested in the scheme already and have recently met with representatives from Translink on the issue.  
 

This extension to the free fares scheme gives Northern Ireland passengers the same free travel rights as those living across the rest of the United Kingdom and I’m sure that it will continue to be a very popular scheme.  
 

Whilst it will be October before everyone can avail of the service, anyone who will be eligible for the scheme can apply now to have their Smartpasses issued before this date.  
 

Anyone wishing to apply for a pass can telephone 0845 600 0049 or visit www.60smartpass.info.”