Irish transport authority to raise bus and rail fares by 15% and review them yearly

The National Transport Authority will implement a 15% increase in bus and rail fares starting in January, the first adjustment since 2018, and will introduce an annual review process for future changes. NTA chief executive Anne Shaw told Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien that the rise is intended to place public service obligation routes on a more sustainable fiscal footing, as operating costs have risen with inflation.

The Department of Public Expenditure had earlier urged a reversal of the 20% fare cuts made in 2022, suggesting a 10% increase might be acceptable. Official papers reveal that the government allocated €940 million to subsidise non-commercial transport services, but most of that funding has been used to maintain existing routes. Shaw acknowledged that many fares remain below levels they would have reached if they had kept pace with inflation. The Minister also confirmed that about 140 new or enhanced transport services are expected to launch next year.