Bus Fare Hikes Hurting Least Able to Pay - Crowe

7 November, 2014 - by Seán Crowe TD

Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe  has described the increase in public transport cash fares as 'deliberately targeting the poor and those least able to pay.'

He made his comment following the release of new public transport fare levels that will kick in after Christmas.

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."

 "Dublin Bus has made huge strides in the last few years despite the cuts in subvention from successive governments. The Government and Bus Átha Cliath need to encourage more people to travel by public transport. But further transport hikes like the ones proposed will  inevitably drive more and more cash strapped customers away."

"The reality for many commuters is that they cannot afford these new increases and the Government and Bus Átha Cliath need to take this obvious reality on board, before these new increases are implemented. These increases will overnight make public transport less appealing and with no discernible improvement in service. The Government and Bus Átha Cliath need to look again at this negative proposal."