Sinn Féin transport spokesperson Dessie Ellis has described plans to raise public transport fares by as much as 10% as counterproductive and damaging. He made his comments following approval from the NTA for the proposed hikes.

Ellis said;
“This should be a time of opportunity for the NTA to build public transport. While there are fewer commuters, private transport is increasing costly and an affordable accessible public transport is attractive to commuters.

“Unfortunately the policy of government has been to force cuts on the system and encourage fare hikes in Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Irish Rail. This makes the option less attractive as it becomes less affordable for people.

“Some will see their yearly ticket now rise by a further €200 having already rose three previous times under this government.

“These regular hikes, coupled with giving private operators public service obligation contracts, are part of Fine Gaels agenda of undermining public transport.”