Two in three free travel pass confiscations were for impersonation

The free travel pass covers transport services such as Bus Éireann. File photo

Ken Foxe

December 02 2022 02:30 AM

Just over 110 free travel passes were confiscated in the past year, mostly where they were being used by another person.

The Department of Social Protection said two thirds of confiscations (73 cases) related to impersonation.

There were a further six cases where the cardholder was no longer entitled to free travel and 29 instances where their Public Services Card (PSC) had been blocked.

Nearly 60pc of cases involving suspected bogus use of free travel concerned people living in Dublin.

However, there were multiple counties where not a single passholder had their pass confiscated including Co Leitrim, Co Donegal, Co Kerry, and Co Wexford, according to data provided under Freedom of Information by the Department of Social Protection.

A department spokeswoman said the scheme provided free travel to public and private transport services, including bus and rail services.

The spokeswoman added: “Currently, over 1 million people qualify for free travel, with the total number of beneficiaries increasing to over 1.6 million when spouses and companions are included.

“Accordingly, the number of free travel cards confiscated represents approximately 0.01pc of the total number of free travel cards.”