Varadkar 'wouldn’t be overly concerned about unnecessary trips' on free public transport

Leo Varadkar said there would be “genuine problems” with free public transport costing and capacity

Leo Varadkar was asked to respond to comments made by Transport Minister Eamon Ryan who said any increase in passenger numbers if public transport was made free 'would largely be achieved by reductions in active travel and an increased level of unnecessary trips'. File picture: Larry Cummins

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he does not think people are “going around on buses and trains just for the craic” when asked if he rejects the idea of free public transport because it will lead to unnecessary trips.

Mr Varadkar was asked to respond to comments made by Transport Minister Eamon Ryan who said any increase in passenger numbers if public transport was made free “would largely be achieved by reductions in active travel and an increased level of unnecessary trips”.