Companion Pass to Benefit Over 51,000 People in Cork

The expansion of the companion pass will help tackle social isolation and ensure older people across Cork can travel on public transport with a friend or relative, said Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea.

Deputy O’Shea said that all those aged 70 years or over in receipt of Free Travel will now have an entitlement to receive a Free Travel Companion Pass.

“The introduction of the companion pass is hugely positive. If you’re coming up from the country for a day out in Dublin, you can take a friend with you. If you have to travel to hospital or medical appointment, you can bring a family member along with you. This will make a real difference in so many people’s lives.

“Previously, you could only bring a spouse or partner. It’s now changed so that people can bring a friend, niece, nephew, or grandchild.  For many older people the ability to choose more freely who can travel with them could be the push they need to make their journey. 

Deputy O’Shea added “Card holders can avail of the free trips on most Irish Rail, Bus Eireann, Dublin Bus, DART and Luas services. The companion pass will help combat loneliness and isolation and support older people in Cork to keep active so they can travel around the country for as long as they wish. This measure makes it a little easier for them to do so. Across the country over 480,000 people will benefit, with 51,454 benefitting here in Cork”.

“This is an important measure brought forward by former Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys who wanted to tackle social isolation and ensure older people can feel safe and secure in their travel. This measure will be key to combatting isolation and I hope will encourage older people across Cork to get on the bus, or train to get out and about,” concluded Deputy O’Shea.