| The 2009 budget has come and gone and the good | | | | free travel passes, you should contact the |
| news for pensioners is that their weekly payments | | | | Department of Social and Family Affairs - see 'Where |
| remain intact. Older people are aware that they are | | | | to apply' below. |
| entitled to free travel after they reach pension age. | | | | If you have a free travel pass and you are married |
| The introduction of free travel for our senior citizens | | | | or cohabiting (that is, living with a man or woman as |
| was one the few positive enduring legacies of the | | | | husband and wife), you are entitled to a Free Travel |
| late Charlie Haughey and it is a wonderful benefit to | | | | Pass which allows your partner to accompany you |
| those who use it. If you are fit and able, it is a very | | | | free of charge when travelling. In addition, some |
| smart way to see Ireland at your leisure with like | | | | people who are unable to use the pass because they |
| minded friends. Ireland has so much to offer by way | | | | are unable to travel alone may get a Companion |
| of scenery and heritage sights that one might not | | | | Free Travel Pass. This allows the holder to be |
| have had a chance to see during their busy working | | | | accompanied by any person over 16 years of age, |
| lives when rearing families was the priority. | | | | free of charge. |
| In addition to free travel, many hotels offer senior | | | | Free travel is available on Iarnród Éireann, Bus |
| citizen packages that are heavily discounted. | | | | Éireann, Dublin Bus, Dart and Luas Services and on |
| Everyone aged 66 and over living permanently in | | | | certain private bus and ferry services. You may also |
| Ireland, is entitled to the free travel scheme. Certain | | | | travel free of charge on certain cross-border services |
| people under that age are also entitled. In some | | | | between Ireland and Northern Ireland. |
| cases, a free companion pass may be available to | | | | If you are living on any of the Aran Islands you may |
| allow a person to accompany the free travel pass | | | | get up to 12 single (or 6 return) air trips each |
| holder. If you qualify for free travel, you will be | | | | year between the islands and the mainland. People |
| issued with a pass that you must carry with you | | | | who live permanently on Tory Island (Co. Donegal) |
| when using public transport. Free travel passes are | | | | are entitled to 8 (or 4 return) free journeys on the |
| non-transferrable and can only be used by the named | | | | seasonal helicopter service operating between the |
| person. | | | | island and the mainland. |
| Free travel is available on all State public transport | | | | There are no restrictions on the times at which you |
| (bus, rail and Dublin's LUAS service). Free travel is also | | | | can use your Free Travel Pass. Therefore, there is |
| available on a limited number of services that are | | | | no need for unrestricted passes, permitting free |
| operated by private bus transport companies. Private | | | | travel at peak times. So get out there and see your |
| bus transport operators that have opted in to the | | | | own country and be prepared to be surprised at |
| Free Travel scheme, accept free travel passes. To | | | | what you encounter on the amazing island of Ireland. |
| check whether your private bus operator accepts | | | | |