New fare hikes a 'slap in the face' to users, says Cork TD

A Cork TD has said the proposed public transport fare hikes come as "a slap in the face" to workers, students, and pensioners.

Calls have been made for the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien to re-evaluate the proposed plans, which would see an approximate 15% increase on average to all public transport fares from January.

Sinn Féin Cork East TD, Pat Buckley said the introduction of increased fares will contribute to the "enormous pressure" that families are under due to the cost of living crisis.

"The last thing they need is for the Government to make it more expensive to get to work, school, college or other essential services," said Mr Buckley.

"Yet that is exactly what this Government is pressing ahead with."

Mr Buckley said people who face long commutes every day are already struggling with rising household bills.

"These fare hikes are a slap in the face to ordinary workers, students, pensioners and families," said Mr Buckley.

"What is even more frustrating is that while commuters are being asked to pay more, millions of euro are being squandered through waste, overruns and failed projects.

"The Government claims it wants more people using public transport, but its actions tell a different story," he added.

"Increasing fares while asking people to leave their cars at home makes no sense. It sends entirely the wrong signal at a time when households are looking for relief from soaring costs."

Mr Buckley said his party will put forward a motion this week calling for the fare hikes to be scrapped, and in its place, introduce free public transport for under-18s.

"No child should miss out on opportunities because of the cost of travel," said Mr Buckley.

"Free public transport for young people would help families with the cost of living, encourage public transport use and make our transport system more accessible for everyone."