Over 70s Can Now Bring a Free Travel Companion On Cork's Buses and Trains

More than 55,000 Cork residents aged 70 and over can now travel free on public transport with a companion, as the government extends the Free Travel scheme from yesterday.

Ministers Dara Calleary and Darragh O'Brien announced the expansion of the Free Travel scheme at Heuston Station today, confirming that 525,000 people nationwide will benefit from the new companion pass.

From 29 September, anyone aged 70 or over with a valid free travel companion Public Services Card can bring another person aged 16 or older with them for free on all participating public transport services. The scheme covers Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Local Link, Luas and some private bus and ferry operators.

Cork has the second-highest number of beneficiaries after Dublin, with 55,973 people aged 70 and over expected to use the new companion pass. The measure will cost €4.1 million this year.

The Department of Social Protection has written to all eligible people in recent months to inform them of the new entitlement.

Minister Dara Calleary said:

"From the end of September, everyone over 70, with a valid Free Travel companion Public Services Card, will be able to bring another person with them on their journey across all public and certain private transport services participating in the Free Travel scheme. This measure is expected to benefit up to 525,000 people aged 70 and over and I hope it will give older people freedom of choice as well as greater independence and security when travelling for reasons such as medical appointments or to attend family, leisure, or cultural activities."

Minister Darragh O'Brien said:

"The introduction of the free Public Services Companion Pass for individuals over 70 years of age represents a meaningful advancement in inclusive and sustainable mobility. By enabling older citizens to travel with a companion at no additional cost, we are further supporting and encouraging the independent use of public transport options for all members of our communities."

The existing Free Travel scheme remains available to everyone aged 66 or over, and to certain people under 66 who receive qualifying payments or meet medical conditions for Blind Pension. Partners of Free Travel pass holders may already travel free if certain criteria are met, whilst those under 70 who cannot travel alone for medical reasons can apply for a companion pass.

More than 1.1 million people hold free travel passes, rising to over 1.9 million when companion and spousal passes are included.