Travel on public transport in Fingal and across the rest of the country is now half price for people between the ages of 19 and 23, following a commitment secured by the Green Party in the last budget.
With the additional 20% fare reduction on all public transport announced as part of the government’s cost of living supports, this means that public transport costs for young adults will be 60% cheaper until the end of this year.
The Green group in Fingal, Ian Carey, David Healy and Karen Power have welcomed the move as part of the Green Party’s commitment to reducing the pressures of the rising cost of living and increasing opportunities and mobility for young people.
From Monday (May 9th) the TFI 90-minute fare for journeys made on Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and commuter rail will now 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. This means that a young person taking the bus to work, education or for leisure purposes in Dublin, travelling five days a week, will save €3.50 a day, €17.50 a week and €540 to the end of the year.
Town fares in Balbriggan will drop to 0.55 cent single on the Young Adult Leap Card. This is 71% less than a standard adult cash single. This means that a young person taking the bus to work, education or for leisure purposes in the area, travelling five days a week, will save €2.70 a day, or €13.50 a week.
Cllr Carey, Swords, said;
“People across the country are coming under more and more pressure as the price of essentials continues to increase, and these reductions on public transport fares will make a huge difference for people in [Area]. The permanent 50% price cut for people aged 19-23 will also make it easier for young people to use public transport and increase their mobility and opportunities.”
Cllr Power, Balbriggan stated;
“People across the country are coming under more and more pressure as the price of essentials continues to increase. The Green Party fought hard to secure the additional 20% reductions in public transport as part of our response to the rising cost of living, so that everyone could benefit from reduced public transport costs and to support the country’s recovery post-Covid.”
Cllr Healy, Howth Malahide said;
“This government is working hard to increase and expand public transport services across the country. Choosing public transport can help us reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and cut down the congestion faced by commuters. If more people choose public transport, we will have better, more liveable towns and cities, with better air quality and safer streets for families and children to walk, cycle and play.”
While the 20% reduction on all fares will run to the end of 2022, the 50% reduction for 19–23-year-olds is permanent and the yearly savings for young people could be significant. The 50% reduction also applies on the Student Leap Card, which is available to students in full-time education who are 24 years old and above.
ENDS
Note to Editor
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. All adults aged 19 to 23 are eligible for the half-price fares and eligibility continues up to the day before their 24th birthday.
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.
