Private bus operators call for expansion of public transport fare reduction

Commercial bus operators working routes in more rural and less densely populated regions do not benefit from fare reductions introduced last year, transport body says

Last year, in response to the cost-of-living crisis, the Government cut fares on State transport companies by 20%. Picture: Denis Minihane

Private bus operators are calling on the Government to extend the 20% fare reduction for public transport to all commercial bus operators in next week’s budget.

The move was introduced in May last year in response to the cost-of-living crisis. However, it only applied to Dublin Bus, Luas, Dart, Irish Rail, and Bus Éireann along with Transport for Ireland Local Link.

On Wednesday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar signalled the forthcoming budget would contain a “significant” cost of living package.

The Commercial Transport and Tourism Council (CTTC) has now called on the Government to extend the fare reduction to commercial operators. It said this would be an important cost-of-living measure that would help hard-pressed families, particularly in rural areas. 

The CTTC said the current fare reductions primarily benefit those living in the greater Dublin areas. The many commercial bus operators working routes in more rural and less densely populated regions do not benefit from the fare reductions.

“The exclusion from fare reduction schemes disproportionately impacts passengers in these areas,” the CTTC said.

CTTC chair William Martin said commercial bus operators play an “integral role in the public transport network” but they are facing an uphill battle due to the advantages enjoyed by State companies which “receive Government subsidies which enables them to offer 20% lower fares”.

This competitive imbalance, a direct consequence of Government policy, has created an uneven playing field within the industry, making it challenging for commercial bus operators to remain viable." 

Mr Martin said there was a risk of long-term potential damage to the country’s bus network if the 20% reduction was not extended.

“The financial repercussions of a diminished commercial bus network and the environmental consequences of a mass return to private vehicles in disenfranchised rural communities far exceed the investment required for inclusion,” he said.