Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2023
123. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection about the free travel scheme and the introduction of booking fees of between €2-€10 by private transport companies for some passengers who avail of the scheme; if she plans to tackle this to ensure that public transport remains free for those who are eligible for the free travel scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53906/23]
View answerThe Free Travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. There are over one million customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2023 is €95 million.
The Free Travel Scheme is available to all persons aged over 66 and those under age 66 on certain qualified payments, who are living legally and permanently in the State. The scheme permits those who are eligible to travel for free on most CIE public transport services, Local Link, LUAS and a range of transport services offered by some 74 private operators countrywide.Under the Free Travel scheme, there is no requirement or impediment for transport operators to provide additional services such as a seat booking service. Some travel operators have introduced online booking services for customers who wish to guarantee their seat on a particular service. This is entirely a matter for the transport operator concerned. Customers wishing to avail of Free Travel do not have to pre-book services with any operator participating in the Free Travel Scheme. They can continue to present on their preferred day of travel and avail of Free Travel using their Public Services Card.
It is open to any Free Travel customer who wants to be guaranteed a seat on a particular service to book their seat in advance, where a pre-booking facility exists. My Department has no control over the fee a transport company may charge for their seat pre-booking facility.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
