Over 70's are entitled to the free pass.
Eligibility for the Free Travel Companion Pass is to be extended to people in the Midlands over the age of 70.
It means those with a Free Travel Pass can now apply to bring someone aged 16 or over with them to travel for free on public transport on their existing pass.
The pass covers Irish Rail, Bus Eireann, and Local Link Bus services as well as the DART and LUAS services in Dublin.
The Department of Social Protection is to inform around 482,600 people by letter they're entitled to the scheme in the next couple of weeks.
That includes over 6,800 in Offaly, 6,098 in Laois and 9,399 in Westmeath.
Fine Gael Deputy for Offaly John Clendennen says it will benefit investment in public transport:
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