Extra ‘no fares day’ riders to be rejected

RAIL and bus chiefs have warned that extra passengers will be turned away if huge numbers try to cash in on a “no fares day” tomorrow.

Workers are protesting over Transport Minister Seamus Brennan’s plans to divide CIÉ into three companies and open 25% of the Dublin Bus market to competition. Ticket collectors and inspectors won’t be checking for fares tomorrow, leading to fears that thousands more people will take the bus or train for free.

Irish Rail carries around 140,000 passengers on a regular Friday but if numbers rise, thousands could be left stranded in Dublin tomorrow.