Senior Support: New companion pass for 51,000 older people

51,454 older people in Cork are set to benefit from the introduction of a new companion pass, designed to make public transport more accessible and tackle social isolation among the county’s older population.

The pass, which allows people aged 70 and over in receipt of Free Travel to bring a friend, family member, or relative along on public transport, will cover services including Irish Rail, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, DART, and Luas.

Previously, only spouses or partners were eligible to travel alongside Free Travel cardholders.

The new measure expands this to include friends, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, giving older people greater freedom and choice when travelling.

Fine Gael TD Colm Burke welcomed the announcement, highlighting the positive impact it will have.

“If you’re coming up from the country for a day out in Dublin, you can take a friend with you. If you have to travel to a hospital or medical appointment you can bring a family member along with you. This will make a real difference,” he said.

“This measure will be key to combating isolation and I hope will encourage older people across Cork to get on the bus, or train to get out and about.”

The initiative, which will benefit more than 480,000 people nationwide, was originally introduced by former minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys to support older citizens.