Translink aims to provide integrated travel solutions that are attractive, sustainable and good value. Innovative ticketing with a focus on integration, flexibility and convenience play an important role in attracting more passengers. In autumn 2009 iLink was launched. It is Northern Ireland's first commercial integrated bus and rail smartcard and represents a major step forward in delivering integrated travel solutions for passengers. Translink also performs all administration, maintenance and management of smartcards and ticketing systems. First introduced in 2002, concessionary Smartpasses and commercial Smartlink cards have proved very popular. The concessional fares scheme is funded by the government's Department for Regional Development (DRD) and managed and administered by Translink. Eligibility for these concessions has gradually increased since their introduction. The commercial product has also proved popular. iLink is the latest Translink smartcard complementing their existing suite of commercial smartcard products and has been designed with ease of use in mind. Other advantages include flexibility, faster journey times, convenience, cash-free status, and a hot-listing facility to prevent fraudulent use in the case of theft or loss.
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