Derek McDowell
Ceist:134 Mr. D. McDowell asked the Minister for Social Welfare the estimated cost of removing the time limit on the use of the free bus pass on Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6746/96]
Vol. 463 No. 4
134 Mr. D. McDowell asked the Minister for Social Welfare the estimated cost of removing the time limit on the use of the free bus pass on Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6746/96]
Time restrictions which have been a feature of the free travel scheme since its inception apply generally from 7 a.m. to 9.45 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Monday to Friday inclusive. They are necessary on city bus routes because the transport services concerned are under severe pressure from commuters travelling to or from work or school in the morning and evening and they would be unable to cope with the additional volume of passengers arising if the restrictions did not apply. They do not, however, apply in the case of mentally handicapped people, people attending long-term rehabilitation courses and certain other disabled or blind people.