Translink has announced a fare increase for bus and train passengers. Fares for Metro, NI Railways and Ulsterbus will be reviewed following a decision from the Department for Infrastructure.
For the majority of passengers in Northern Ireland, fares will increase by 6% for buses and 10% for trains from Monday 3 June. The fare increase does not affect cross-border fares for coaches and trains.
Peter McClenaghan, director of infrastructure and sustainability at the Consumer Council, said the increases will be a blow to public transport users, with low-income passengers most affected. He noted that the fare increase contrasts with initiatives elsewhere in Britain, with Translink’s increase potentially limiting the number of people using public transport.
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The fare increase comes ahead of expected disruption to public transport in Northern Ireland in the summer, as ten train stations between Lisburn and Belfast Lanyon Place will close for two months while bus replacements take place. It should connect the new Grand Central Station to the railway line.
Mr McClenaghan said: “Today’s announcement that Translink will increase its average fares by 6% for bus and 10% for rail is a blow to public transport users. This revision follows an average rate increase of 7% for all Translink companies. services in March 2023 and rail fare increases in November 2023.
“It will disproportionately impact low-income passengers, who have no other travel option other than public transport and who are already struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis. Consumers will understand that the costs of public transport have increased. network and this is further exacerbated by the Northern Ireland government’s freeze on public transport funding.
“Public transport funding from the Northern Ireland Government must be sufficient to at least maintain current levels of service, but also fund incentives to increase passenger numbers where possible. This fare increase is in stark contrast to initiatives elsewhere such as the £2 cap on bus fares in England and the 20 per cent passenger discount in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) which recognize the benefits of public transport for society and the environment.
“This Translink increase could limit the growth in the number of people using public transport and is contrary to government policy to increase the number of people using public transport.”
He is urging Translink to introduce a weekly limit on contactless payments to help reduce prices for certain ticket types.
“We welcome Translink’s stated intention to move to a flat fare in the Belfast metro area as this will be easier for passengers to understand,” he added.
“However, the introduction of some fixed fares has resulted in some above-average price increases for certain ticket types.
“We are therefore urging Translink to introduce solutions as soon as possible that would offset these price increases, such as a weekly limit on contactless payments, to address this. Passengers across Northern Ireland should check that they are using the cheapest ticket for their journey. Reduced prices are available depending on how you pay for your ticket, or the type of ticket you purchase, such as a weekly or monthly pass.”
Translink encourages passengers to use contactless, mLink and multi-travel products to get a good deal on tickets. A 25% discount also remains available on travel after 9:30am on local train and Ulsterbus services. iLink cards also offer unlimited travel for different zones on the bus and train network.
Translink operations director Ian Campbell also highlighted the discounts for young people. He explains: “We are also maintaining the 50% discount, along with free access to the yLink card for all 16 to 23 year olds. With over 60% more yLink journeys made last year, this special deal will help many more young people travel on bus and train services and make their money go further.
“We have also taken the opportunity to simplify Smartlink fares for Metro/Glider, making it easier for our customers. Passengers using Smartlink will simply pay a £2 fare for each standard adult journey, which most people will save more than 10% compared to paying in cash. DayLink, mLink and contactless day tickets will also go to £4.00 for all-day travel.
“We remain convinced that bus and train travel remains the most attractive and cost-effective travel choice, especially when compared to rising private car costs. Combined with the many wider health and wellbeing benefits of sustainable travel, it’s also an easy way for us all to travel. doing our part to tackle the climate crisis and improve air quality for a more connected society for all.”
Passengers can find out more about the best ticket for their travel needs at www.translink.co.uk/faresrevision
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