§ Mr. Dunlopasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if any provision is made for the over-seventies, equivalent to the half-fare concession in rural areas where no public transport is available.
§ Mr. CarterThere are no fare concessions available to the elderly on bus services outside the Belfast area at present, and it is not proposed to make any special provisions for the over-616W seventies in rural areas. However, as I announced on 19th December 1977, a half-fare concession to those over 65 will be introduced for both Ulsterbus and Citybus services as soon as the necessary administrative arrangements can be completed. In the case of Ulsterbus services this will probably be in mid-summer 1978. A half-fare concession is already available to the elderly on the services of Northern Ireland Railways.