Green TD Steven Matthews has welcomed the increase in the number of people using public transport in 2023 as recently reported in the Irish Independent. This follows the introduction of half-price public transport fares for young people up to the age of 26 and the extension of 20% reductions in baseline public transport fares in Budget 2024. Discussing the impact of these Green policies on public transport use in Wicklow, Deputy Matthews said:
“I am delighted to see that there has been a significant increase in the number of people travelling by public transport in 2023. The Green Party’s reductions in public transport fares and the introduction of half-price Leap Cards for 18-to 26-year-olds has resulted in increased public transport use in Wicklow and across the country. 4.25 million journeys on Dublin Bus were recorded in December 2023, a 15% increase compared to figures from the same period in 2022. There was a staggering 106% increase in demand for Bus Éireann and LocalLink services, while a record number of rail journeys is expected to be reported for 2023.
“Encouraging increased use of public transport is key to reducing emissions in the transport sector and achieving our legally binding objectives under the Climate Act. The Green Party has always led on this issue and while in Government we have lowered fares, introduced new rural bus routes, and upgraded rail infrastructure across the country. There is clearly demand for an expansion in public transport services and it is my priority to deliver on this as TD for Wicklow through the extension of the DART to Wicklow Town”, Deputy Matthews concluded.
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