Public transport prices in Northern Ireland to rise by 7% from March

Public transport fares in Northern Ireland are set to rise by 7% in March.

It comes after Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris stated last November that steps would need to be taken to improve the sustainability of public transport operator Translink.

Fares have remained frozen for around four years.

However, from Monday March 6, fares for those who travel on Metro, Glider, NI Railways, Enterprise, Goldliner and Ulsterbus services, will increase on average by approximately 7%.

In a statement the Department for Infrastructure said it “recognises the challenges facing many people in the current cost of living crisis”.

“However, significant budget pressures mean the below inflation uplift is needed to maintain and improve public transport services,” it said.

“Translink will continue to offer a range of good value fares and we would encourage users of public transport to look for the best value options available.

“We would also continue to encourage people to reduce carbon emissions by walking, wheeling or cycling or using public transport, rather than private vehicles, to help address the climate emergency.”

Translink is encouraging customers to look for the best value fares to help them save money. On average, standard fares will increase by around 7%.

Translink’s group chief executive Chris Conway said they have worked very hard to keep fare adjustments low.

He pointed out there have been no fare increase in four years, and contended fares still offer good value.

“We know any increase is unwelcome, but we are confident that bus and train travel is still an attractive and competitive option, compared to private motoring, particularly given the cost of fuel,” he said.

“It is also the heathier, smarter and cleaner travel choice for a better-connected society.

“We will work with all our stakeholders to promote the best value fares and have established a web page at www.translink.co.uk/faresrevision to help direct passengers to choose the best ticket for their travel needs.”

Local politicians have voiced concern at the announcement.

Sinn Fein MLA Cathal Boylan said the increased fares will “hit hard-pressed workers and families”.

He said the move “is in stark contrast to the freezing of fares” by his party colleague and former Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd only months ago.

“It is vital that we invest in our public transport to improve connectivity, keep fares affordable and help tackle the climate emergency,” he said.

“Sinn Fein is ready to form an Executive today, to work together, and support workers and families against Tory cuts to public services and hikes in the cost of essential services.”

Alliance MLA Andrew Muir called for a change in funding arrangements for bus and rail services that would put provision on a more sustainable financial footing, and has warned of the general impact of underinvestment in bus and rail services.

“Whilst other countries such as Germany and the Republic of Ireland have cut fares to encourage the use of public transport, the move to increase bus and rail fares in Northern Ireland is a regrettable and retrograde step,” he said.

“It has, however, been made necessary due to the historic underinvestment in bus and rail services here, with Northern Ireland ranking bottom of the league in terms of financial support and coming in at the lowest spend per head on public transport compared to the rest of the UK.

“These fare increases, which are inevitably only going to drive people away from considering public transport as an option, are especially disappointing in the midst of both a climate emergency and a cost of living crisis.”