Translink scrapping early bird discounts on Derry to Belfast bus

Translink has come in for stinging criticism over its decision to scrap early bird discounts on the 212 Derry to Belfast bus route.
The transport company has also faced a passenger and political backlash over its recently announced 7% fare increase.

On Thursday, Derry City and Strabane District Council unanimously passed a motion opposing both decisions.

The motion was proposed by Cllr Shaun Harkin (PBP) and read: “This Council opposes the public transport fare increase by Translink of 7% and the decision to scrap early bird discounts on the 212 and other services.

“This Council supports free public transport for all.

“Council notes how other Countries in Europe have cut fares significantly or made public transport free in response to the cost-of-living crisis.

“Council will write to Translink to express Council's opposition to their fare increase and the scrapping of early bird discounts, calling for them to be reversed, and will write to DFI to express Council’s support for free and effective public transport.

“Council recognises a free and effective public transport system will have a in addressing social inequalities and the climate crisis.

“Council will hold a meeting with local bus and rail workers to hear their vision for improving public transport systems locally.”
Speaking to Derry News after the meeting, Cllr Harkin described the fare increase and scrapping of the early bird discount rate as “wrongheaded”.

Cllr Harkin said it was a well known fact the pre-7am buses leaving Derry for Belfast were packed with passengers availing of the cheaper fares. The early bird discount return price is £11.

He added: “The cost of living crisis has not abated and this will pile more pressure on many public transport users struggling to pay their bills.

"Instead of corporations and the super-rich paying more, ordinary people are being told they have to carry the burden for obscene energy profits and Tory economic chaos.

"A windfall tax was used in Spain to deliver free public transport in response to the cost of living crisis. If we don't demand and campaign for this kind of response it'll never get on the agenda.

"We have also made headway in encouraging people to use public buses and trains in response to climate change. We need to further reduce fares and expand public transport options to develop that further but increasing prices now undermines this.”

Cllr Harkin called on Translink to reverse its “price hike decision and keep popular early bird discount rates in place, especially while the cost of living crisis persists”.