Alliance welcomes travel boost for older people but will continue fight for equality

Alliance Party Strangford Representative Kieran McCarthy has welcomed news from Minister David Cairns that over 65s will soon be able to travel free of charge on public transport across the island of Ireland, but he said Alliance would continue their campaign to ensure that there is equality on this issue. He is unhappy that women cannot avail of this initiative until they are 65, but men can travel free from the age of 60.

Kieran McCarthy said: “While we have won the battle on free transport, we will continue the fight for equality on this issue.

“Women are considered to be pensioners at 60, but they cannot travel until they are 65. This is totally unfair, because men will be able travel free across Ireland from the age of 60.

“We have campaigned for years for free public transport across Ireland for older people and we will continue this campaign until there is total equality.

“Today’s announcement by David Cairns is a welcome development, but it is long overdue and it does not go far enough in ensuring that everyone who should benefit will do so.”

ENDS