Date: 10 May 2022
Deputy Steven Matthews, Green TD for Wicklow, has welcomed the 50% decrease in public transport fares for students and young people which is another key Green Party win in recent months. This is a permanent reduction in fares for those aged between 19 and 23 and follows a commitment in the last budget. 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. Discussing the announcement, Deputy Matthews said:
“I am delighted that public transport fares have been halved for young people. The 20% fare reductions in the Greater Dublin Area for 2022 began from May 9th. This means that travelling on public transport will cost 60% less for young people in Wicklow compared to last year. This was a policy decision secured by the Green Party during last year’s budget negotiations and it is extremely rewarding to see it successfully implemented.
From Monday (May 9th) the TFI 90-minute fare for journeys made on Dublin Bus, Luas, DART, and commuter rail will be just €1 for students and Young Adult Leap Card holders. Short fares will be reduced to 0.65 cent single on the Young Adult Leap Card. This is 73% less than a standard adult cash single. A young person taking the bus to work, education or for leisure purposes in Wicklow, travelling five days a week, will save €3.50 a day, €17.50 a week and €540 to the end of the year.
“This is the first time since 1947 that the Government has intervened to reduce public transport fares. As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is incredibly important to increase mobility and opportunities for young people. The cost-of-living crisis has been very acute for students and young adults, and I hope that this 50% reduction in public transport fares will help to ease the financial strain for commuters.
“Making public transport more accessible is also fundamental to achieving our objectives under the Climate Action Plan. If we can encourage more people to use public transport, we will be able to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and create safer and more liveable towns and villages where families and children can walk, play, and cycle, concluded Deputy Matthews.
For holders of a current Student Leap Card, no action is required. They simply pay for their journey by Leap, and the reduced fare is deducted from their card in the normal way.
However, non-student young adults looking to avail of the lower fares will need to apply for a Young Adult Leap Card for use when travelling.
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