AQW 25744/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Infrastructure
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the estimated cost to Translink for introducing free travel for disabled people, for (i) off-peak; and (ii) at all times.
Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 7 April 2025
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 7 April 2025
- Answer due by
- 24 April 2025
- Answered
- 30 April 202523 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Infrastructure
- Priority question
- No
Answer
To extend free travel to those currently in receipt of a Half Fare SmartPass may cost in excess of £889k which is the cost to my Department of reimbursing Half Fare journeys to Translink in 2024/25 (excluding £177k costs for journeys on Glider services as these journeys are free). Therefore, the costs would potentially double.
However, it is difficult to estimate a cost as demand may be impacted in terms of the numbers applying and using their SmartPass, people potentially using it more because it is free and reimbursement rates to Translink.
There would be no difference between off peak and at all times.