Minister Humphreys announces New Free Travel Scheme Extension is now open for applications

• Free Travel available from 29th July for people medically certified as unfit to drive
• Up to 32,000 people expected to benefit from this measure in 2024
• Minister Humphreys encourages people to apply now via gov.ie/freetravel

Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today opened the application process for the new Free Travel Scheme Extension.

From the end of July, the Free Travel Scheme will be extended to people who have never been able to drive due to a disability, and to drivers who have a licence and are medically certified as not fit to drive for a period of 12 months or longer.

The measure was secured by Minister Humphreys as part of Budget 2024 and is expected to benefit 32,000 people this year.

The scheme will allow eligible people to access free travel on all public transport provided by the State.

This includes bus, rail, Local Link and the Luas, along with some services operated by private bus and ferry transport operators.

The Minister made the announcement at Busáras in conjunction with representatives from Epilepsy Ireland, with whom she worked closely with to deliver the changes.

Those wishing to apply can download an application form at gov.ie/freetravel Alternatively, application forms can be obtained at any Intreo Centre or by contacting 0818 200 400.

Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said:

"I'm very pleased to announce that applications are now available for this significant expansion of the Free Travel Scheme.

"From 29th July, the Free Travel scheme will be available to people aged between 17 and 66 years of age, who have never been fit to drive due to a medical condition.

"I am also making the scheme available to people who have a license but are medically certified as unfit to drive for 12 months or longer.

"This measure is expected to benefit some 32,000 people this year and will give them access to free travel on all public transport provided by the State.

"It will benefit people with a range of disabilities including, for example, those with epilepsy, and who, as such, face additional transport costs, especially when commuting to work.

"I want to particularly thank Epilepsy Ireland and commend them for their efforts in ensuring these changes have been delivered.

"Finally, I encourage those wishing to avail of this extension to the Free Travel scheme to apply now."

Peter Murphy, Epilepsy Ireland CEO, said:

"Navigating a new diagnosis of epilepsy can be extremely difficult in itself and the challenges faced by people living with this condition can often be hidden. Not being able to drive can be one of the most challenging aspects of living with epilepsy - particularly when a person is trying to remain in employment, education or to simply remain socially active. That's why opening access to the Free Travel scheme to people with epilepsy - and people with other disabilities and long-term health conditions - who are unable to drive due to their condition is such an important step to ease the significant burden that can be caused by driving restrictions.

We are delighted to see applications open today for the expanded Free Travel scheme and wish to thank Minister Humphreys for her willingness to implement this change, which Epilepsy Ireland have advocated for over many years."

Notes to Editors:

Who currently qualifies for Free Travel?

The Free Travel Scheme is currently available to everyone who is 66 or over, and to certain people who are under 66 in receipt of qualifying payments or who meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension, and who are legally living permanently in the State.

The Free Travel Scheme allows for free travel on all public transport owned by the State. This includes bus, rail, Local Link and the Luas, with some exceptions. Free travel is also available on some services operated by private bus and ferry transport operators.

There are currently approximately 1.1 million people in receipt of free travel. This figure increases to over 1.8 million when companion and spousal passes are taken into consideration.

For more information on the Free Travel Scheme visit gov.ie/freetravel

About Epilepsy and Epilepsy Ireland

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by a tendency to have recurring seizures. Over 45,000 people in Ireland have epilepsy including 10,000-15,000 people who are living with uncontrolled seizures. For this group in particular, the consequences of epilepsy can be long-lasting and significant. It can affect the person's education, employment, social functioning, self-esteem and independent living. People with epilepsy must also cope with the physical impact of seizures, the side-effects of medications and for many, the social stigma and economic impact that can be associated with it. Its individualised impact on those who live with it means that it is often considered as a hidden disability. There is also an increased risk of mortality associated with epilepsy with an estimated 130 epilepsy-related deaths in Ireland each year.

Epilepsy Ireland is the national patient organisation supporting and representing people with epilepsy and their family members. Established in 1966, Epilepsy Ireland's vision is to achieve a society where no person's life is limited by epilepsy.

They work towards this vision by providing support and information services for people with epilepsy and their families; providing training and education about epilepsy in communities across Ireland; conducting awareness campaigns to help increase understanding of the condition; leading advocacy campaigns to help influence positive policy-changes for people with epilepsy and their families; and by investing in Irish epilepsy research.

You can learn more about epilepsy and Epilepsy Ireland by visiting Epilepsy.ie