Translink has revealed the impact a public transport price hike will have on bus and rail fares across Northern Ireland.
Conservative Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris announced the move, which comes into force on Monday, March 3.
It has been met with anger from politicians and the public because of the impact it will have amid the cost of living and climate crises.
Read more: Dormant Stormont delaying All-Island Strategic Rail Review
We asked Translink for a breakdown of what the fare increases will mean for bus and train users.
They told us cash paying customers can expected to pay:
- 10p more on a single journey and 50p more for a day ticket on Metro and Glider buses
- 20p to £1 on Ulsterbus and Goldliners depending on distance
- 10p to £1 on the train, again distance dependent
A spokesperson added: “Metro customers should consider the contactless ‘tap on only’ payment option which caps their fare at £3.70 - after two journeys the remainder of journeys that day are free.
“Ulsterbus and Goldliner... customers should also consider the range of good value return tickets and Smartlink card discounts available. Smartlink cards for Metro and Ulsterbus offer discounts of up to 25% on standard cash fares.
“Most NI Railways cash single fares will increase between 10p and £1 depending on distance. Again, customers should consider our range of good value return tickets, weekly and monthly discounts.
“Discounts of 25% are also available after 9.30am on Ulsterbus and NI Railways day return tickets.”
Green Party NI leader Malachi O’Hara said he “just can fathom... increasing fares during a cost of living crises and a climate emergency".
Cllr O'Hara added: “Another outcome of not having a local Executive to make decisions and be held accountable for them.”
While SustransNI, which has long been campaigning to get more people using public transport and encourage the Government to create better provision for people to walk, wheel and cycle described the price hike as “disappointing”.
They said: “A 7% rise even after a four-year fare freeze is steep for most pockets.
“Public transport goes hand-in-hand with walking and cycling. We need more investment today in sustainable transport for our health, environment and economy.”
A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: “The Department 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.
“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.”
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