Written answer
Public Transport
From January 2027, adult PSO fares will rise by an average 15%, while child fares fall, supporting sustainable network expansion and services.
133. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update as of September 2026 on the proposed increased fares on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67661/26]
Comment on this
To add to the previous responses on this matter - set to be introduced in January 2027, the upcoming Fares Determination will see Adult Fares on PSO services increase by an average of 15% although many child fares will be reduced, particularly in towns and regional cities. Most fares are still below 2018 levels. The determination will also continue to support Government fare initiatives, including the Free Travel Scheme, free travel for children under nine years of age, and companion travel arrangements for people aged over 70.
These changes are the first major revision since 2018 forming part of the NTA’s National Fare Strategy and support the continued expansion and improvement of public transport, while maintaining affordability.
To support this endeavour, the NTA have also identified approximately 140 new service initiatives and capacity enhancements nationally as part of its 2027 budget submission to the Department of Transport. Subject to the Estimates Process, this represents the biggest in year and year-on-year enhancement of services in many years. The changes also represent an important step towards standardising fares nationwide, in line with the National Fare Strategy published in 2023.
Public transport requires ongoing investment to maintain, improve and expand services. Fare revenue helps fund these measures, making it important to balance affordability with inflationary increases.
The adjustments to fares are required to ensure the sustainability of the PSO funding model and support Government’s commitment to continued network growth, service enhancements, investment in BusConnects in Dublin, Cork and other cities, the completion of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Programme, continued development of commuter rail services and for funding future improvements, while keeping public transport competitive and affordable.