NTA to announce bus and train fare hikes averaging 15%

The National Transport Authority is expected to announce bus and train fare increases averaging around 15% at a press conference later this morning, with some reductions planned for children, young adults, and students. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien previously said he could not rule out fare hikes, citing plans to expand the transport network. The increases follow government commitments to initiatives like the 90-minute fare and free travel for children under nine. Opposition parties have criticized the planned increase, with Labour’s Ciaran Ahern calling it unwarranted during a cost-of-living crisis. He noted the government recently spent €400m on excise cuts for drivers while failing to act on climate leadership.