Nowadays, the cost of living keeps rising, which adds difficulty to disadvantaged groups, especially the seniors, the unemployed and the disabled. The Free travel scheme, as part of social welfare benefits, was introduced in 1967, allowing qualified people to use public transport without any cost. A free travel pass allows the holder to take a bus or take the train, but what about Irish ferries? In this passage, we are going to talk about whether Irish ferries accept the pass and how to use it.
What is Free Travel Pass?
The travel pass is issued under Free Travel Scheme, which is available to residents in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. With this pass, senior citizens and certain groups can travel within the local community and across the whole island of Ireland by public and some commercial bus services. In this case, older or disadvantaged people can travel conveniently and freely for medical services, social events, friend visits, shopping and so on without worrying about transportation fees.
image resource: The Irish Times
Who is Eligible
Qualification for free transport depends on where you live, age, and health conditions. To obtain a free travel pass, you must live in Ireland and satisfy the following conditions.
Aged 66 or older
The authority will automatically send you a Free Travel Card on the condition that:
➢ you are receiving a social welfare pension.
➢ your identity has been confirmed through the SAFE registration process, and hold a valid Public Services Card (PSC).
Aged Below 66
Citizens under 66 are entitled to the pass if:
➢ you are receiving Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Carer’s Allowance or Invalidity Pension, or
➢ you lost your sight or are visually impaired, and qualify for Blind Pension, or
➢ you have been receiving Incapacity Supplement with Disablement Pension for 1 year or above, or
➢ you are a specified caretaker for Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relative’s Allowance receiver, or
➢ you are receiving another EU member state’s or Irish bilateral country‘s social security invalidity payment (or similar) for 1 year or above, or
➢ you are aged at least 60 years old and are a widow, widower or a surviving civil partner of individuals who have held a Free Travel Card. Moreover, you must get Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension, One-Parent Family Payment, an ordinary Garda Widow’s Pension, or a Death Benefit Pension (under the Occupational Injuries Scheme).
How to Apply for a Free Travel Pass
If you are eligible for the pass, you can fill out the application form at the post office and submit it along with your proof of age, disability or pension status. Supposing that you haven’t registered through SAFE, please do that first. Supposing that your PSC has expired, please renew it at MyWelfare. ie or at your local PSC Centre. The pass will be mailed to you once approved.
Does Irish Ferries Accept Free Travel Pass
No. Irish Ferries runs routes between Britain and Ireland, France and Ireland. Although this pass covers all public transport and some private private bus and ferry services, this company is not included. In this section, let’s see when a free travel card is acceptable.
When Free Travel Pass is Available
- Dublin Bus (not including AIRLINK and Special Airport services)
- NITELINK services
- Bus Éireann & its expressway services
- Go-Ahead services in the Outer Dublin Metropolitan Area (ODMA), Dublin Commuter (DCOM) and Waterford services
- provincial city services
- Irish Railway
- DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit)
- LUAS Light Rail
- Transport for Ireland Local Link services
- Participating private bus
- Participating ferry services
- cross-border scheduled services between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
- Up to 12 single or 6 return air trips between Aran Islands and Galway City (for permanent residents on the Aran Islands)
- 8 single or 4 return seasonal helicopter trips between Tory Island and Falcarragh on the mainland (for permanent residents on Tory Island)
When Free Travel Pass is Not Available
- Services that are not listed in the official rail and bus timetables of Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann or Irish Rail
- Excursions and special bus or railway trips
- Organized group journeys
- Dublin Bus AIRLINK services
- Dublin Bus special Airport services
- First Class or Super Class travel
What Ferries Accept Free Travel Pass
After reviewing some popular ferry services in Ireland, we found the companies that offer senior fares or accept free travel pass.
Rathlin Island ferry
It operates between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle. There is free travel for seniors aged 60+ with SmartPass holders, Registered Blind SmartPass holders, War Disablement SmartPass holders, and children under 5 years old.
Aran Island Ferries
It offers year-round and seasonal travel to the Aran Islands from Galway City, Rossaveel and Connemara. Free travel pass holders should call to book a ticket and show it to the staff to collect the ticket.
Inishbofin Ferry
It is one of the most convenient ways to travel to Inishbofin Island, one of the most westerly Islands off the Irish Coastline. Free Travel pass users should book tickets by calling 095 37228 from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, sending an SMS to 0871800586, or sending email to info@inishbofinferry.ie.
Arranmore Ferry
It has been running for more than 30 years and shuttling between Burtonport and Arranmore Island. Irish Free Travel Card and 65+ Northern Ireland SmartPass are acceptable.
Clare Island Ferry
It offers year-round services between Roonagh Pier and Clare Island. Free travel is available to OAP receivers with Irish Travel Pass or NI Smart Travel card, and kids under 5.
Doolin Ferry
It takes passengers to Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Combinations.
Bere Island Ferries
It operates ferries between Bere Island and Castletownbere, Bere Island and the Pontoon. Senior passengers can board the ferry with a free travel pass.
How To Use Free Travel Pass on Train
When taking intercity rail with a Free Travel Card, you can tag the card on the electronic or automatic gates to open it. If there is no e-gate or auto-gate at the station that you start from, request a free ticket at the ticket desk. If the ticket desk is unmanned, just show the pass to the operator and board the train. Please note that companion or spouse of free travel pass holders must request a ticket to get on the train.
When taking LUAS services, just put the card on the validator on the platform and remove it on hearing a beep or seeing the green light. This is required before getting on and after getting off the train.
Travel in North Ireland
Seniors aged 66 and above are allowed to take public transport without cost within Northern Ireland with a Free Travel Card and a Senior SmartPass Card which can be applied for through the following steps.
- Complete Application Forms FTNI1 which can be obtained at a local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office or Citizens Information Centre.
- Submit the completed form to the local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office in person along with a recent passport-style photo, proof of identity (i.e. driving license, passport or other forms of photo ID), proof of address (i.e. utility bill, bank statement, etc), and existing Free Travel Card.
- Wait for the Senior SmartPass card. The processing time takes up to six weeks.
The Senior SmartPass is valid for 5 years. If it expires, please contact the SmartPass office to request a renewal form. You can send your name, address and PPS number to smartpass@translink.co.uk or call 0044 2890759129. If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, please replace it with FTNI2 application form.
FAQs:
Q: Do I need a passport when boarding Irish ferries with a free travel pass?
A: A passport is not mandatory for Irish and British citizens, and a photo ID is anyhow required. It is suggested that all passengers should bring a passport.
Q: What types of transportation accept Irish travel pass?
A: All public transport (such as buses, trains, and trams) and some private buses, ferries and air trips.
Q: Can I use the free travel card outside Ireland?
A: No. It is only available within the island of Ireland.
Q: Can I use the pass at any time?
A: It depends on the transport services. Some operators might prioritize paying passengers at peak hours.
Q: Can I use my free travel pass on tourist buses or sightseeing tours?
A; Probably not. The pass is mainly designed for regular public transport services, but you might get discounts for tourist buses or sightseeing tours.
Q: Can I bring a companion or carer with me when using the free travel card?
A: Yes, and they can also use public transport with a Free Travel Companion Card.
Q: Can I get extra benefits or discounts for the travel pass?
A: Yes, such as discounts for private bus fares, tourist attractions tickets, social welfare benefits, etc.
Q: What if I lost my free travel card?
A: You should report the loss to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and replace it.
Q: Can I lend my card to someone else?
A: No. The pass is not transferable. Only the named person can use it.
Summary
The free travel pass makes it more convenient for seniors and people with disabilities to travel within Ireland. It is available to all public transport. Although the answer to “Does Irish Ferries accept free travel pass” is no, some other participating private bus and ferry services allow the pass users to board the ferry, such as Rathlin Island Ferry, Aran Island Ferries, Inishbofin Ferry, Arranmore Ferry, Clare Island Ferry, Doolin Ferry, Bere Island Ferries. If you are eligible for the free travel card and Senior SmartPass Card, it’s time to get one and take advantage of the benefits to hang around the country.
Erin Lo