An MLA told a public meeting that ending free travel for over 60s in Northern Ireland "could kill people".
People Before Profit's Gerry Carroll said to those gathered at the Clayton Hotel on Wednesday evening people should 'take to the streets' in opposition to the proposal.
He highlighted a range of impacts the plan could have, including added costs amid the cost of living crisis, deepening loneliness and cutting people off from healthcare and their communities.
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The West Belfast MLA added: "This is about taking discretionary fares, free travel, off tens of thousands of people who are over 60, who rely on the scheme. This is taking from people who have paid all their lives, have worked all their lives in public services.
"This is cruel that DfI are even thinking about removing this scheme at any time, but especially during a cost of living crisis when people are struggling and the price of transport is going through the roof.
"It's impossible to separate this proposal from the bloodbath budget that is being proposed by the Tories which will decimate public services.
"They see older people and vulnerable people as low hanging fruit and think they can cut this scheme without much of a fightback - you are not getting it your way - we preparing a fightback.
"People are very angry."
According to a Translink bus driver at the meeting some 70,000 over 60s use the scheme.
Gerry added: "Half a million pensioners here are living below the poverty line.
"This scheme was established to support people who are most at risk of public exclusion - that's the department's own language. The need for that hasn't changed - people are more in poverty - are more isolated.
"University of Glasgow research indicates that access to free travel increases bus use, improves access to services more generally among older people, improves mobility, social participation and health.
"This scheme is a literal lifeline for older people who experience loneliness... you have a great chance of dying early if you are isolated and somebody who's over 60. That's evidenced by Age NI and other organisations.
"It's not an exaggeration to say this scheme, if it's pulled for over 60s, could kill people."
He also said it is madness to pull free transport for over 60s amid the climate crisis, as emissions are still rising, and this will force people back into cars.
"We should be encouraging public transport and moving to free public transport for everybody."
A protest is planned next Wednesday at 5pm outside DfI offices in Belfast.
A consultation on changes to the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme has been launched by the Department for Infrastructure three weeks ago. The 12-week public consultation will review eligibility for the Scheme, which has not changed since 2008.
Changes being considered include raising the age of eligibility for concessionary fares to either 65 or state pension age.
DfI says the scheme cost £39m in 2022/23 and estimates that will rise to £44.6m in 2023/24.
A spokesperson said: "No decisions have been made yet. We are keen to hear from the public, representative groups and others on how the proposed changes might affect them. We also want to hear view on how the Scheme might operate in the future."
Aspects of the scheme being reviewed as part of the 12-week consultation include:
- Raising the age of eligibility
- Limiting SmartPass use to off-peak travel
- Limiting SmartPass use to bus-only travel
- The introduction of application, renewal and replacement fees
- Free travel for those in receipt of a half-fare concession due to a qualifying disability
- Companion passes for disabled people unable to travel alone
- Extending qualifying criteria for a half-fare SmartPass
- Free transport for those receiving asylum support and victims of human trafficking
- Changes to residence test
- Proving residency
The public consultation is available here: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-changes-concessionary-fares-scheme
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