A disability campaigner has said it is an “embarrassment” the north is the only region in Ireland and the UK where those with disabilities are not entitled to free bus travel.
Aaron Savage, whose petition on the issue has gathered more than 2,000 signatures, is organising a protest outside Stormont on November 12.
Currently, free bus travel is only available in the north for those aged over 60, the registered blind, or war disablement pensioners.
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Half-fare concessions are available to those who receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), those who have had their driving licence revoked on medical grounds, those who have a recognised learning disability, and those who are partially sighted.
Aaron Savage pictured with infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins after a meeting in Stormont in June. PICTURE: AARON SAVAGE
In 2022, then-infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon announced she intended to extend the concessionary fares scheme to include free passes for disabled people, but this was halted by the collapse of power-sharing.
More recently, a Department for Infrastructure (DfI) review into the scheme was published in 2024, with 81% of respondents agreeing that the qualifying criteria should be widened to include those with disabilities as part of a consultation.
However, concerns over cost meant it was not implemented at the time.
Campaigner Aaron Savage told The Irish News it was “vital” that parity with the Republic and Britain was achieved.
“This protest is happening because I can’t sit here and wait,” he said.
“We have to take action on this and many people with disabilities need public transport to participate in society; they need it to attend their employment and education and then they also need it, most vitally, for their medical appointments.
“Half-fare doesn’t feel like half-fare for most people. It’s flawed.”
Mr Savage, who has a hidden disability and is on the autistic spectrum, added that it was “embarrassing” and “feels very discriminatory”.
In the Republic, a free travel pass for state-owned rail and bus services can be claimed by anyone in receipt of disability allowance.
Meanwhile, free bus passes are available in England between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays and all-day on weekends and holidays, with access to all public transport in London at any time.
In Scotland and Wales, free travel on buses is available at all times for people with disabilities.
“Cost of living is going up; there’s talks about our benefits being taken away. Thankfully, it’s all come to a standstill but it’s still not great,” he said.
“It’s putting on more anxiety that it’s not going to go ahead and that’s the reason why we’ve got to take action on it.”
Mr Savage said he met with infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins in June but added there was “no indication” that there was a move to extend the free passes.
A DfI spokesperson said the minister has “asked officials to consider the viability of extending free travel for people with disabilities” but that “no decisions have been taken at this stage”.
“The minister is committed to inclusion, which is one of her foundations for a better future, and she recently hosted an inclusion conference on the topic of inclusive transport,” they added.