Sir, - The recent commuter fares increases (the second increase in 1998 on certain fares) clearly demonstrate Iarnrod Eireann's lack of appreciation of, if not pure contempt for, its many daily customers. This latest outrageous announcement prompted me to examine the price trend on my route, Portlaoise-Dublin, over the past couple of years.
Purchasing monthly "rail only" tickets the costs per annum are as follows: 1996 - £996; 1997 - £1,073; 1998 - £1,189.
In a full year at the new rate the cost will be £1,260. In simple terms, therefore, rail fares in this instance have increased by over 26 1/2 per cent in a period of one year and nine months - February 1997 to October 1998. With annual inflation rates of under 3 per cent how can such exorbitant increases be justified?
Suddenly the more economical fares on offer on private buses are becoming very attractive. - Yours, etc., Tony Delaney,
Shanahoe, Abbeyleix, Co Laois.