The Greater Belfast Seniors Forum (G6) has written to Department for Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd, urging him to keep the 60+ SmartPass.

While the NI Assembly was suspended the Department for Infrastructure carried out a consultation on possible cost-saving changes to the 60+ SmartPass scheme.  Over 20,000 people responded with overwhelming response to keep the 60+ SmartPass.

Now that the NI Assembly has resumed, G6 Chairperson Rita Murray wrote to Minister O’Dowd stating:  “  There are no positive aspects to withdrawing the 60+ SmartPass.  The negative impacts far out-weigh short-term benefit.  The stark choices for older people these days is to choose between:  Heat, Eat or Meet.  Please enable older people to support our economy and their own health.”

Minister O’Dowd has replied saying:  “While my intention is to retain the concession for the 60-64 group, decisions on future eligibility for concessionary fares must be affordable within the budget made available to the Department.”

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