Bus and train fares in the Republic are set to rise by between 3 and 6 per cent in the New Year following government approval to the CIÉ group of public transport companies.
Seamus Brennan: Turned down request for 8 per cent increase in fares
The group's three subsidiaries - Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann - are to introduce Intercity, commuter and Dart fare increases in the first week in January.
Dart fares from Dublin city to Dún Laoghaire (single), for example, will rise by 10 cent from €1.80 to €1.90 (3.23 per cent increase); while a shorter journey from the city centre to Raheny (single) will rise by 5 cent from €1.55 to €1.60, acccording to Iarnród Éireann.
Intercity fare increases range from 3 to 6 per cent, with a Cork monthly return ticket rising to €62.50 from €59.50 (5.04 per cent increase), and Limerick monthly return rising from €48.50 to €51.00 (5.15 per cent increase).
Commuter fares from the city centre to Balbriggan, for example, will rise by 15 cent from €3.35 to €3.50 (4.48 per cent), while the city centre to Maynooth fare will rise by 10 cent from €2.60 to €2.70 (3.85 per cent increase).
Dublin Bus has confirmed that all its cash fares will increase by 5 cent from January 1st,, representing a 3.5 per cent rise. Prepaid tickets will not increase but this may change during the year.
Dublin Bus said the company had sought an 8 per cent increase in fares but was instead allowed less than half that. Rising fuel costs and increased payroll costs agreed under the Sustaining Progress pay deal were two reasons the company sought the fare increase
Dublin Bus hopes to generate an extra €2 million in 2005 from the fare increase, to offset these costs, she added.
Bus Eireann did not have details about its increase rate. A spokesman for the company told ireland.commanagement are awaiting instruction from the Department of Transport.
But a Department spokesman said it is up to the company itself to determine its rates within the limits agreed by the Cabinet.
The Minister for Transport, Mr Cullen, today confirmed he had turned down a request for an 8 per cent increase in fares and said an increase of 3.5 per cent was more appropriate as it was in line with inflation.