'Government’s not in a position to fund everything forever’: Taoiseach defends bus and rail fare hikes

Micheál Martin says sustainable funding is needed as planned fare increases face criticism over pressure on household finances

Micheál Martin said there was a requirement for a 'sustainable funding model' for public transport. Picture: PA

The Taoiseach has defended plans to increase bus and rail fares by 15%, saying the Government is “not in a position to fund everything forever”.

Micheál Martin said there was a requirement for a “sustainable funding model” for public transport, citing “pressure points” caused by demand for new services across the country.

“We do need a sustainable funding program in respect of being in a position to continue to expand services and public transport into the future,” Mr Martin said.

The proposed fare increases from the National Transport Authority (NTA) will apply across all public service obligation (PSO) services, including Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Dublin Bus, Luas, Go-Ahead Ireland and TFI Local Link.

The changes will apply to cash fares, Leap Card fares, and weekly and monthly tickets.

The fare increases are due to come into effect in January next year, the NTA confirmed. It also said it would review fares annually to ensure they remain “aligned with operating costs, investment requirements and affordability objectives”.

Free travel 

Mr Martin defended the increase, saying 27% of the population would retain free travel, including children up to the age of nine and those aged over 66.

Asked if continued expansion of the public transport network would require continuous price increases for passengers, Mr Martin said: “Historically, nothing ever stands still.” 

“We will always endeavour to make things affordable. We understand that,” Mr Martin said, adding that measures would be introduced in the Budget to help families with the cost of living.

Taoiseach defends fare rises 

Pressed on whether it was appropriate to increase fares while people are struggling with the cost of living, Mr Martin said: “Government’s not in a position to fund everything forever.

“There has to be sustainable funding models across the board. We have to be clear about that.”