To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether his Department plans to introduce free public transport for everyone under the age of 24; and (ii) for an estimate of the cost of such provision.

I fully recognise the challenges facing our citizens in the current cost of living crisis. You will be aware that the fares on our public transport network have been frozen at 2019 prices at this time to ensure that our citizens who rely on public transport will not face additional pressures on their cost of travel.

Translink also continues to offer various concessionary and discounted fares including the yLink card for young people aged 16 – 23, which offers one third off bus and rail fares. The 24+ Student Railcard is also available to those in full time education which offers up to one third off rail fares for those that are over 24 years old.

The Department will continue to explore what more could be done to help with the cost of public transport during this time. I am mindful that any decision to extend free travel would have to take account of the financial and equality implications and be viewed in the context, of no functioning Executive, an agreed multi year budget and the significant level of inescapable pressures facing my Department this financial year.