Offaly TD welcomes reduction in public transport fares

Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly, Barry Cowen, has welcomed the 50% reduction for young adults across the transport sector, saying it will make public transport a much more attractive option for young people.

For the first time in 75 years fares are being reduced in an effort to help reduce the rising cost of living and to encourage more sustainable travel.

This will be implemented through the introduction of the Young Adult Travel Card, that all young adults aged 19-23 can apply for. The Young Adult Travel Card will be accepted across all services, including city, intercity, rural services and all expressway bus services that were not included in the last Cost of Living package.

Deputy Cowen said, “Government are very conscious of the pressures on households at present as the cost of living continues to rise. The war in Ukraine is adding significantly to that burden and we know that people are feeling it. The reduction in fares from this week will go some way to easing some of the financial strain on our young people.

“I hope that the reduction in public transport fares will also encourage more people to take the sustainable option and leave the car behind where possible.”