Northern Ireland's public transport fares are set to increase from next month, it has been confirmed.
The changes, which affect travel on Metro, Glider, NI Railways, Enterprise, Goldliner and Ulsterbus services, will see standard fares increase on average by approximately 7% - the increase will take effect from Monday March 6, 2023.
In his Written Ministerial Statement on November 24, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland stated that steps would need to be taken to improve Translink’s sustainability through the uprating of public transport fares.
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Today, the Department for Infrastructure said it "fully 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".
"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," they added.
"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’s Group Chief Executive Chris Conway, said: “We understand this will add to the cost-of-living pressures our passengers are already facing, however, we have worked very hard to keep fare adjustments low and indeed having had no fare increase in four years, in real terms our fares still offer good value.
"We also recognise the need to support the many young people who have been particularly impacted by the pandemic and cost of living crisis. yLink card discounts have been increased to 50% off from a third off while maintaining free access to the card for all 16–23-year-olds to help support them at this difficult time.
"Most cash single fares across the network will increase by around 7%, however, we continue to offer a range of good value fares, e.g. day tickets and Smartlink on Metro, Smartlink on Ulsterbus and weekly and monthly discounts on NI Railways. Discounts on day return fares after 9.30am for rail and Ulsterbus journeys will change to offer around 25% off in most cases.
"There continues to be a range of other good value fares, e.g. a one day iLink fare offering unlimited travel across the bus and train network at £17.50.
"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. 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.."
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