Free public transport for the over-66s with a tight budget will start.
In the province of Utrecht, elderly people on a tight budget can travel for free on public transport in two ways. They can take the bus and tram for free until December 2023. In addition, there is a promotion where the tram is free for everyone until October 2 in Utrecht, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein. The trial with free public transport was prepared in collaboration with carriers U-OV and Syntus Utrecht. The promotion runs until December 2023.
People over 66 with a low income will be eligible for the Free OV subscription from then on. With this subscription it is possible to make free use of the bus, tram, neighborhood bus and flex services of U-OV and Syntus Utrecht throughout the province of Utrecht. Travelers can travel after 09.00 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays.
“It is difficult for elderly people in the province of Utrecht with a low income. There is silent poverty among this group. The financial barrier to leaving home is high. Loneliness is often the result.”
The free public transport subscription can be used by the elderly on the website www.gratisreizenouderen.nl to request. Here is explained which steps people have to take to request the subscription. When people cannot access the internet or need help with the application, they can go to the library where there is a Digital Government Information Point (IDO). The list of participating libraries is also available on the website. Folders with explanations are available at libraries and the service shops of U-OV at Utrecht CS and Syntus Utrecht at Amersfoort station.
The initiative for this action comes from the coalition agreement of the province of Utrecht, in which a trial with free regional public transport was announced. This is intended to give elderly people on a tight budget more freedom of movement and opportunities to establish social contacts.
