Half-price travel on public transport for young people secured by Greens

People between the ages of 19 and 23 will get half-price travel on public transport in a measure announced in Budget 2022 today (October 12). The move is part of the Green Party’s commitment in this year’s budget to support young people as we recover from Covid, reduce carbon emissions and expand the use of public transport as we tackle the climate crisis.

Young adults will be able to apply for a travel card from next year and there will be no restrictions on travel, with reduced fare applying to both peak and off-peak times on intercity buses and trains, local buses, the Luas and the Dart.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman TD, welcomed the measure and the impact it will have on young people;

“I’m delighted that the Green Party has been able to secure this really meaningful and permanent reduction in public transport fares for young people. As a measure to offer practical help to many young people, while also helping tackle emissions from private transport, it’s a no-brainer. I want to especially thank the young people in Comhairle na nÓg who strongly championed fare reductions for young people in the run-up to the budget.”

Green Party Spokesperson for Transport, Climate Action and Environment, Brian Leddin TD said;

“The mobility of our young people is vitally important especially in light of opportunities lost during the pandemic and I welcome this support in Budget 2022 to increase mobility and opportunity for young people. This is a proposal that came from young people and applies to everyone between 19 and 23, including those in apprenticeships and who have entered the workforce. We continue to listen to young people as they demand increased action on equality and climate, and the Green Party is committed to delivering on these issues in government.”