Fare reductions do not go far enough – Pa Daly TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Transport, Pa Daly TD, has argued that today’s fare reductions do not go far enough.  Deputy Daly highlighted the fact that while fares will decrease for some, for others they will actually go up.  The Kerry TD has called on government to urgently reverse any fare increases.

Teachta Daly said:

“After months of unacceptable delays, the Dublin Commuter Zone and Leap Card expansion has finally been rolled out today.  Despite being announced last year, the implementation of the fare reduction was delayed from June 2024 to 28 April 2025.

“While a reduction in fares was absolutely necessary, there are some serious flaws with the roll-out of this scheme.

“Crucially, while fares will reduce for some, for other commuters – they will actually go up.  We are supposed to be encouraging more people to use public transport, not pricing them out of it.

“This move by government demonstrates yet again how out of touch Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Lowry-Independents are.

“We are experiencing a raging cost of living crisis, in which many people care barely afford to make ends meet.  The government should be reducing costs for everyone, rather than deepening the unfairness between post codes.  Increasing costs for poorly connected communities, flies in the face of our climate objectives.

“Similarly, government need to get serious about making public transport more accessible and affordable in rural Ireland.  Fare reductions for Dublin and surrounding areas are important, but these initiatives and investments are needed right across the country.

“Fair fares should be for everyone.”