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fter yesterday’s good news for Wicklow Town commuters, the latest press release from Jennifer Whitmore TD, issued on Thursday, January 25th 2024…
Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore has warned that the NTA’s announcement of fare increases on some public transport services will push commuters back into their cars.
Included in the announcement was a 15% increase in DART fares on the Bray to Greystones service, which would see the fare rise from €2 to €2.30.
There will also be fare increases for some Wicklow residents who use Bus Éireann services for their daily commute to Dublin.
“I am very disappointed with the news of public transport fare increases, including a 15% increase on DART fares from Bray to Greystones, an increase of almost €1 for bus passengers travelling from Kilpedder and Newtownmountkennedy to Dublin and an 11 increase in the bus fare between Ashford and Dublin. At a time when we are working to lower our carbon emissions and actively encouraging people to choose public transport for their daily commute, it is ridiculous to be raising fares,” commented Deputy Whitmore, who is the Social Democrats spokesperson for the Environment.
“We need to be making public transport the easier and more cost-effective option for commuters or else we run the risk of pushing them back into their cars.”
“Whilst I welcome the announcement of reductions on rail services further south in the county, including a 43% reduction in the fare to Wicklow Town and a decrease in bus fares for commuters travelling from Kilmacanogue, Rathnew and Wicklow town to Dublin.
“I believe that we need to set a limit or cap on fares across the public transport system.
“In this day and age, when we all know the importance of public transport and the role that it can play in fighting climate change, we should not be seeing fare increases on our bus and rail services,” concluded Ms Whitmore.