Half price public transport for students going back to college

Half price travel on public transport for people between the ages of 19 and 23 will see potential savings of up to €3,000 over the course of a year.

The reductions, which came into effect in May, will benefit students who are returning to education this week and are part of a series of cost-of-living measures linked to transport.

An overall additional 20% fare reduction on all public transport announced as part of the government’s cost of living supports will make transport fares 60% cheaper for students under 24 and young adults.

Green Party Spokesperson for Education, Senator Pauline O’Reilly, said;

“Increased costs for students have really been mounting and I strongly encourage those going back to education this week to take advantage of the reduced fares that came into effect earlier this year.

“The Green Party fought hard to secure these transport cost reductions 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.”

Green Party Spokesperson for Transport, Brian Leddin TD, said;

“The fare reductions available for young people are substantial. The Green Party want to make it easier and cheaper for people to use public transport and develop the habit of a lifetime. By using public transport we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and make our town and cities less congested, less polluted, more safe, more walkable, and more liveable.”

The low fares on public transport came into effect in May 2022 and 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.