Nearly 5,000 Leitrim residents to benefit from new companion free travel pass

Almost 5,000 people in Leitrim will avail of the companion pass on public transport, allowing those aged over 70 who are in receipt of Free Travel to have an entitlement to a Free Travel companion.

There are 4,892 people in Leitrim who can now benefit from this initiative, which aims to help tackle social isolation by enabling older people across the county to travel on public transport with a friend or family member.

Over 480,000 people nationwide will benefit from the scheme. Previously, passengers could only bring a spouse or partner, but the change now allows them to bring anyone they wish to accompany them on a journey.

Card holders can avail of free trips on most Irish Rail, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, DART, and Luas services.

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Sligo-Leitrim TD Frank Feighan has welcomed the changes to the companion pass, describing it as “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 a hospital or medical appointment in Sligo Hospital you can bring a family member along with you. This will make a real difference in so many people’s lives,” Deputy Feighan said.

“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.

“The companion pass will help combat loneliness and isolation and support older people in Leitrim 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,” he added.

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“This measure will be key to combatting isolation and I hope will encourage older people across Leitrim to get on the bus or train to get out and about,” concluded Deputy Frank Feighan.