Minister: Expect bus fare hikes soon

BUS passengers can expect fare hikes in the near future because of a double blow to the industry from rising fuel prices and the loss of a valuable fuel rebate.

Private operators providing school bus services on contract to Bus Éireann would also “feel the pinch”, Junior Minister at the Department of Transport Noel Ahern warned.

Mr Ahern said there was no good news ahead for the transport sector or its customers. Air travel, the marine sector, hauliers, private motorists and public transport users all had to face the reality that while fuel prices had eased, they were not going to come down in the long run.