Infrastructure Secretary Nichola Mallon made the announcement on Saturday, confirming that all Ukrainian refugees arriving in Northern Ireland will be able to take free public transport from their point of entry to their final destination. The temporary program will start on all Translink bus and train routes from March 30. Ms Mallon said: “In recent weeks, many Ukrainians, especially women and children, have been forced to make the heartbreaking decision to leave their homes and loved ones behind in search of security.
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Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon (Liam McBurney / PA) PA Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon (Liam McBurney / PA) “While many of these refugees live in neighboring countries, some will travel to Northern Ireland to be reunited with family members or their host family.” To take advantage of the program, Ukrainians will be required to show public transport staff a passport or identity card, as well as boarding pass evidence or other evidence that they have arrived in Northern Ireland in the last seven days. The Infrastructure Department asks employees to be discreet as they implement the plan. Ms Mallon said: “Many have endured a painful, and even a dangerous and frightening, journey to get to safety. “It’s the least we can do to make this last part of their journey a little easier and help show that Northern Ireland is a safe haven for those in need of help from Ukraine.”
