County Councillors oppose public transport price hikes

COUNCILLORS in Galway have opposed plans by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to increase fares on public transport.

Last month the NTA announced plans to change the national fare structure for Public Service Obligation (PSO) services. They will come into effect in January 2027, with adult fares set to rise by 15 per cent.

It will impact those who use Irish rail and Bus Eireann services across the county.

A motion from Loughrea District Councillor Geraldine Donhue calling on the council to oppose the planned fare increases was unanimously supported during last week’s meeting of Galway County Council.

“This proposed price hike is nothing more than the NTA ripping people off. It is coming in January, so it is vital we oppose it now,” warned Cllr Donohue.

The motion was seconded by Ballinasloe District Cllr Evelyn Parsons, who saw it as a very timely motion during a huge cost of living crisis.

“So many young people are already being forced to commute to college due to the high costs and lack of accommodation, so this will impact on them hugely. I whole heartedly support this motion,” remarked Cllr Parsons.

Similar motion in city

A similar motion was passed last month by Galway City Council. Both local authorities join Dublin County Council, Cork City Council and Limerick County Council in calling for the reversal of the fare hikes that the government has pushed the NTA to enact.

The city and county council’s position on the fare hikes was welcomed by the Galway Commuter Coalition.

“Affordable and accessible public transport is in the interests of all Galway people and is increasingly becoming vital for the economy and society of rural and urban Galway,” stated a spokesperson for the group after the meeting.

“The Coalition believes constant pressure from across the political spectrum will be essential to halting these proposed increases, as well as the notion of year-on-year increases coming in the future.”

While commuters in Galway may be subject to a 15 per cent price increase, the NTA has confirmed that some of their major discounts will remain in place.

They include free travel for all children up to their ninth birthday, people aged 66 and over and other passengers currently eligible under the Free Travel Scheme. The 50 per cent Young Adult and Student Discount will also be protected.