The free travel scheme is available to all people living in Ireland aged 66 years or over, and also to certain people with disabilities under that age who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. The scheme provides free travel, primarily at off-peak periods, to eligible people on the main public and private transport services. At the end of last January, free travel passes had been issued in respect of about 505,000 people at an annual cost of £33 million.
The free schemes were originally designed to benefit mainly older people who were living alone and required additional assistance. However, over the years, additional categories of people have been included. It is proposed to undertake a review of the free schemes, commencing in early 1999, to assess whether the objectives of these schemes are being achieved in the most efficient and effective manner.
Any changes which would involve additional expenditure would have to be considered in a budgetary context.