A petition has been launched calling for disabled people in Northern Ireland to travel on public transport for free, similar to other parts of the UK.
Aaron Savage, who is on the autistic spectrum and registered as disabled, has launched the petition in the hopes of helping others use public transport easier saying that the costs can be a barrier preventing people from travelling.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Aaron said that he knows the difficulties that members of the disabled community face when trying to use public transport, such as there not being enough space on buses for those using wheelchairs, and feels that more should be done to support them.
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He said that other parts of the UK, such as England, allow people with a disability to use public transport for free and believes that the same measures should be put in place in Northern Ireland.
He said: "I speak as a member of our community where our friends and family with disabilities are plagued by high travel expenses. These unforeseen costs strain their financial resources, making it difficult for them to travel to healthcare appoints. Their reliance on others for transportation creates additional challenges, and stifles their ability to secure employment, worsening their disadvantage.
"Frustratingly, people with disabilities in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain already enjoy free travel, leaving Northern Ireland lagging behind. It's not just a setback, it's flatly embarrassing that our region doesn't offer the same support as our neighbours. It's essential for the NI Assembly to consider the benefits that a free travel policy for those with disabilities could bring with a matter of urgency.
"In countries like the UK, travel concessions have proven to be beneficial. According to the Department of Transport, providing free travel can increase the overall employment rate of people with disabilities by up to 30%. This data underscores the importance of such a program, not just as a matter of accessibility, but also of fairness and economic viability.
"It is time for Northern Ireland to stand in solidarity with the hardworking people in our disabled community, break barriers and elevate living conditions for everyone. We request the NI Assembly to make immediate modifications to the Half Fare Smartpass system to incorporate free travel for people with disabilities. Sign this petition to support our cause. Supporting this cause will pressure the Department For Infrastructure to make these changes.
"We've been promised this by Nichola Mallon who was our previous Minister for Infrastructure, while this is now John O'Dowd who is our current Minister For Infrastructure and Stormont had been absent for two years during 2022 - Early 2024, it's indeed frustrating that while we're going through a waiting game, it seems that Minister for Infrastructure is not willing to make smaller changes to even introduce this change until the financial position changes. For this I want to make this petition to at least put pressure on the Minister to prioritise this for the next budget. "
If you would like to sign Aaron's petition you can do so via this link.
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