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A new campaign group has been launched to highlight the plight of disabled people on public transport and they are organising protests in the run up to Christmas to highlight the issue. The Smart Pass Equality Campaign (SPEC) is lobbying to get the Department of Infrastructure (DFI) to introduce free travel for disabled people on public transport.
Julieanne Crothers has a severe sight impairment and hearing problems and is a member of the group and a regular activist on key issues facing disabled people. Crothers explains Northern Ireland is the only place in UK that doesn't offer free travel."Disabled people are being deprived of free travel on public transport.The rest of the UK and Ireland offer free travel. This is a travesty as disabled people are being squeezed from every angle in a cost-of-living crisis.
"Government has been lobbied on this key issue for many years and following recent meetings with the Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins, we are now asking for this provision to be put in place as soon as possible. Disabled people need hope that they will not be an afterthought when it comes to being able to access fully subsidised public transport in 2026 and beyond."
Protests have been organised for December. On Thursday past one was held at Bangor Bus Station and on Tuesday 16 December at 1pm there will be one at Derry Bus Station followed by one at Belfast Grand Central Station on Thursday 18 December at 1pm.
Everyone is welcome to come along and take part in the protests. It is hoped that they will draw attention to the issue, show solidarity with those most affected and help push for fair and lasting solutions.
#HalfFareUnfair
