UNISON MEMBERS PROTEST PROPOSED CUTS TO THE CONCESSIONARY FARES SCHEME
UNISON’s Retired Members’ Forum, alongside members from across Northern Ireland, will gather for a demonstration at 12.30pm on Wednesday 16th August outside the Department for Infrastructure on Adelaide Street, Belfast.
The Department for Infrastructure is currently consulting on several potential changes to the Concessionary Fares Scheme. Proposed cuts to the Scheme could mean that the age of eligibility for a SmartPass will be raised to at least 65. Other proposals include restricting SmartPass travel to off-peak hours and to bus travel only. The Department is also considering introducing application, renewal and replacement fees for the SmartPass.
Some positive and welcome social inclusion options are included in the consultation, including offering free transport for those receiving asylum support and victims of human trafficking, as well as companion passes for people living with disabilities who are unable to travel alone. However, the Department admits that it is not in a financial position to implement these changes.
Commenting on this, UNISON Regional Secretary, Patricia McKeown, said:
"The Department for Infrastructure’s options for reducing the cost of the Concessionary Fares Scheme will harm some of the most vulnerable people in our society, including older people and people living with disabilities.
The SmartPass is a lifeline for so many. It allows people to play an active role in their local communities - to see and care for friends and family, attend medical appointments, volunteer, work and shop in our town and city centres.
Without a SmartPass, many people will have to make difficult sacrifices in order to afford to travel on public transport. Others will simply not be able to make their journey at all. This will have a devastating impact on people’s mental and physical health, as well the businesses on our local high streets. If these cuts result in more people travelling by car, it will also increase emissions on our roads and further damage our environment.
SmartPass users have paid taxes and otherwise contributed positively to society for their entire lives – we will not allow these cuts to be imposed on those who can afford them the least.”