He said: 'This extension to the Concessionary Fares Scheme is long overdue and will give older people here the same access to free travel as their counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales.'

Free travel will only be available to eligible passengers in receipt of a SmartPass, for which they will need to apply.

Duane Farrell, Head of Policy Research and Communications, Help the Aged in Northern Ireland, says: 'The launch of the extended SmartPass is a very welcome development for all older people over 60.

In particular it's great news for women of pensionable age. To have excluded this major group of older people from the original scheme was a real issue and we are delighted to see the Department has listened to the voice of older people and amended the scheme accordingly. 

We urge those between 60 and 64 to apply now

‘We strongly urge all older people to make the most of this free transport scheme, and encourage those between 60 and 64 to apply now so they are able to make full use of the scheme from October when it comes into effect.’

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