Young people to benefit from 50% reduction on commercial bus operators

The Green Party has welcomed the extension of the 50% fare reduction for all young people under-24 to commercial operators which comes into effect from this week.

This follows on from the 50% reduction for under-24s and 20% reduction in fares for all public transport commuters.

Making public transport cheaper and more accessible is a key Green Party objective in government and this initiative will help many students attending university this term.

Green Party Spokesperson for Transport Brian Leddin said;

“Making public transport cheaper for young people is an important way to cut costs for students. The Green Party is delivering fare reductions in government that will have a positive impact as people return to education.

“The slashed fares have three advantages - they save young people money, they help to make public and shared transport a more attractive travel choice and by choosing public or shared transport, young commuters are playing a vital part in reducing our overall emissions from transport.”

Green Party Spokesperson for Rural Development, Senator Róisín Garvey added;

“This is a particularly important development for rural Ireland, as many of the available transport options are provided by private operators. In particular, there are many costs racking up for students at the minute and many will have to commute to college due to the lack of affordable accommodation.

“It is really critical that we make sure we start to effectively promote and encourage the right kind of transport where possible – and that is walking, cycling and public transport, in that order.”

The half price young adult fare commenced on May 9th on all subsidised public transport journeys on Dublin Bus, Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Luas, Go-Ahead Ireland and TFI Local Link.

From this week commercial bus operators will also have the reduced fares for young people available.

The fare reductions announced in May were among the measures unveiled as part of a government package to reduce the cost of living.