Public transport fare hikes 'make no sense', Dáil told

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The Social Democrats has introduced a motion to the Dáil calling on the Government to reverse public transport fare increases planned for the start of the year.

The Social Democrats has introduced a motion to the Dáil calling on the Government to reverse public transport fare increases planned for the start of the year.

Adult fares for public transport will increase by an average of 15% from January 2027 under new fare structures announced by the National Transport Authority.

In Dublin, a 90-minute Leap Card journey will increase from €2 to €2.30.

Intercity rail express fares will increase by 10% and economy fares by up to 20%.

Social Democrats Spokesperson on Transport Aidan Farrelly told the chamber that the number of people using public transport will fall due to the planned fare increases.

"Simply put, the decision to increase public transport fares makes no sense. It makes no political sense. It makes no policy sense.

"From a cost-of-living perspective, from a climate action perspective, the impact of congestion on our mental and physical health perspective, Minister, it fails all the checks.

Mr Farrelly said the fare increases are coming at a time of severe overcrowding and reliability problems on some public transport routes.

"Therefore, passengers will be paying more for inadequate and unreliable services," he added.

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