07/11/2014

Sinn Féin Say Poor Being Unfairly Targeted By Fare Increases

A rise in the cost of public transport fares has been criticised for "deliberately targeting the poor and those least able to pay."

Sinn Féin's Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe was commenting on the announcement that public transport fares will be increased at the beginning of 2015.

Deputy Seán Crowe said: "No matter what spin or convoluted excuse is trotted out, the sad reality is that the new cash fare increases will hit the poor and those least able to pay these increases."

"Cash fares for Dublin Bus are going up by as much as 25c. This will mean for many that their weekly bus commute will cost a significant amount higher if paid in cash at the end of the week. This is happening at a time when wage increases are stagnant particularly for those on low incomes."

"While there are some savings for Leap card users there will also increases in shorter distance fares. Surely a 'sure fire way' not to improve our bus services is to make them less affordable to commuters."

(MH/CD)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

18 October 2013
Public Transport Fare Increases 'Damaging'
Plans to raise public transport fares by up to 10% are "counterproductive" and "damaging", Sinn Féin transport spokesperson Dessie Ellis has said. Following approval of the price increases by the National Transport Aassociation Ellis said: "This should be a time of opportunity for the NTA to build public transport.
26 July 2011
Fare Increases For Profitable Ryanair
The Irish 'budget airline' Ryanair has reported a jump in first quarter profits and passenger numbers. However, it still aims to push up fares, which the firm said would rise by an average of up to 12% in the year to the end of March 2012 as fuel prices rise.
07 January 2008
Commuters Hit By Luas Fare Increase
Dublin commuters returning to work this morning are to face the first in a string of public transport fare increases. Several are coming into force over the days ahead, beginning with all fares on the LUAS tram system going up by 10 cents, while €2 is being added to the price of a 30-day ticket.
25 July 2012
CIÉ Fare Hikes 'Cannot Be Ruled Out'
The Minister for Transport has said that he cannot rule out increases in fares on CIÉ buses and trains. The company was given a €36m cash injection last night in a bid to avoid service cuts. But Leo Varadkarhas told RTE the price of fares may still go up.
03 December 2008
'Reduce Living Standards' As Tax Shortfall Worsens
The Minister for Finance has said "we are living beyond our means", and has called for the Irish people to lower expectations of their standard of living.