Who Is Eligible for the Free Travel Scheme?
The Free Travel Scheme in Ireland primarily benefits residents who have reached retirement age and are permanent legal residents in the State. Eligibility is available for:
- Individuals aged 66 or over who are permanently living in Ireland and receiving a Social Welfare pension.
- Individuals under 66 receiving specific social welfare payments like Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Carer's Allowance, or Invalidity Pension.
- Bereaved partners aged 60 or over receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, whose late partner held a Free Travel PSC.
Those automatically qualifying by age and pension receipt will have the Free Travel symbol on their Public Services Card. Other eligible individuals must submit an FT1 application form.
Can a Spouse or Companion Travel for Free?
The scheme allows for companions to travel free in specific situations:
- For recipients over 70 or under 70 needing assistance: A PSC with the FT+C endorsement allows a companion (aged 16 or over) to travel free.
- For spouses or partners: A PSC with the FT+S endorsement permits a spouse or partner to travel free with the cardholder.
- Note that if you are under 66 based on certain disability payments, your spouse/partner cannot travel for free with you.
How to Apply for Your Free Travel Pass
Applying is often automatic for pensioners over 66 who are SAFE registered and have a Public Services Card (PSC). If not automatically issued, you can apply:
- Get an FT1 application form from an Intreo Centre, Social Welfare Branch Office, or Citizens Information Centre.
- Complete the form with your details.
- Gather required documents, including a recent passport photo, proof of identity, and proof of address.
- Submit in person at an Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office; applications cannot be mailed.
Using Your Free Travel Pass
Present or scan your PSC with Free Travel entitlement to the transport operator when boarding. The pass is valid for travel at any time and usable on most state-owned public transport.
What Transport is Included and What is Excluded?
The scheme covers many transport options but has some exclusions.
Included Transport:
- Most Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, and TFI Local Link buses.
- All Iarnród Éireann rail services, including trains and DART.
- Luas tram services.
- Certain private ferry services, such as those to the Aran Islands and Tory Island.
Excluded Transport:
- Special services like Dublin Bus AIRLINK.
- Organised group travel.
- Public transport solely within Northern Ireland.
Travelling Between the Republic and Northern Ireland
Cross-border travel rules depend on residency. The Irish scheme allows free travel on specific cross-border bus and rail services, but not for travel solely within Northern Ireland.
- Irish residents aged 66 or over with an Irish Free Travel PSC can apply for a Senior SmartPass for free travel within Northern Ireland.
- Northern Irish residents aged 65 and over can use their Senior SmartPass for free travel throughout the island of Ireland.
Comparison: Irish Free Travel vs. Northern Irish Senior SmartPass
| Feature | Irish Free Travel Pass (PSC) | NI Senior (65+) SmartPass |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Age | 66 and over (Irish residents) | 65 and over (NI residents) |
| Application Process | Mostly automatic for pensioners | In-person application at transport centre |
| Residency Requirement | Must be a permanent resident of Ireland | Must be a permanent resident of Northern Ireland |
| Companion Travel | Yes, FT+S or FT+C endorsements | Only covers the cardholder |
| Cross-Border Travel | Yes, on specified services (with conditions) | Yes, covers all public transport across the island |
| Included Transport | Bus, rail, DART, Luas, some ferries | Translink buses & rail, plus participating ROI services |
Conclusion
The Irish Free Travel Scheme is a valuable benefit for seniors, reducing travel costs and enhancing independence. Understanding eligibility, the application process, and coverage details is key to utilizing this benefit effectively. The pass makes exploring Ireland more accessible and affordable.
For official and current information, visit the Department of Social Protection's Free Travel Scheme website.
