Green light for fare reduction
The introduction this week of a reduced fare for young people using public transport has been welcomed on Leeside.
Monday saw Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and the National Transport Authority (NTA) launch the 50 per cent public transport fare reduction for those 19-23. Eligibility continues up to the day before their 24th birthday.
The new low fares apply to all subsidised public transport journeys on Dublin Bus, Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Luas, Go-Ahead Ireland and Local Link.
Customers under 19, already benefit from the Child 16-18 Leap Card, which is valid up to day before their 19th birthday.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said: “When I announced a permanent 50 per cent fare reduction for young adults in Budget 2022, I really wanted to make public transport more attractive for young people, so that using public transport could become a habit of a lifetime. I also wanted to go some way to supporting young people, by making day-to-day life a little bit more affordable.
“This fare cut is unprecedented and quite radical. But I believe strongly that it’s the way we need to go if we are serious about putting low-carbon transport at the heart of our efforts to build a sustainable future and if we want to bring people, and particularly young people, with us on that journey.”
Anne Graham, CEO of NTA said: “With the TFI 90-minute fare coming down to €1 in Dublin, and the standard single fare for young adults and students coming down to €0.65 in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, we look forward to seeing more young adults using public transport to get to work or college or just when getting out and about with their friends and family.
“There’s particularly good news for rail commuters in Cork with Mallow being brought into the commuter rail fares area in Cork. This means that a student or young adult can travel from Mallow to any station within the Cork commuter area for just €1.95 when paying with Leap.”
Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, said: “The inclusion of Mallow in the Cork commuter rail fare, which we have had substantial engagement with the NTA over the last number of years, is a significant and highly welcomed win for residents in North Cork and the city region as a whole. Mallow is a key residential zone in North Cork with a large commuting population accessing Cork city and suburbs daily.”
He added: “This is a practical action that will make real the increase in modal share of sustainable and active travel, laid out in the NDP, Cork City and County Development Plans and CMATS, and in support of a climate-neutral smart city by 2030.”
Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West Aindrias Moynihan said reducing the fare is a “huge help” in making public transport more attractive.