Age Sector Platform (ASP) is committed to tackling the travel and transport barriers that impact on older people in Northern Ireland.
Age Sector Platform aims to:
- Improve public transport provision for older people
- Secure increased transport access to key services such as healthcare
- Secure increased mobility for older people.
Concessionary Fares - remove barriers
The extension of the Smartcard scheme, to allow those aged 60-64 to avail of free public transport services within Northern Ireland, is very welcome. However, a number of barriers that reduce the benefits of this scheme remain, causing 45% of those who own a Senior Smartpass to have never used it.
Rural Transport - increase access to services
The lack of public transport services in rural areas continues to be a major problem which prevents older people from benefiting from their Smartpass. The scheme should be extended to other modes of transport, including taxis, demand responsive transport services, community transport and more private operators to increase the mobility of older people. Taxi voucher schemes should be developed for deep rural areas where public transport is not available.
Door 2 Door Transport in urban areas - performance review
ASP calls for a review of the Door 2 Door transport scheme in order to identify areas for improvement within the scheme and its areas of operation. ASP should be part of this review which should result in the improved delivery of an accessible, flexible and reasonably priced alternative transport option for older people across Northern Ireland.
Travel/transport facilities - standards and costs
ASP will consider issues relating to the quality standards and accessibility of travel and transport facilities. ASP will work with air and sea ports and bus and rail companies to ensure that the needs of older people are fullyconsidered and met.
