Planned fare hikes fleecing public transport users to subsidise private transport users

Planned fare hikes fleecing public transport users to subsidise private transport usersThe Government has decided that those who use private transport should be financially supported, while those taking the bus and train can suffer yet another increase, writes Elaine Loughlin Thu, 03 Sep, 2026 – 17:48Elaine Loughlin    

As the world burns, it’s a bailout for dirty diesel but a price hike for those taking public transport.

Regardless of how they spin it, the Government has decided that those who use private transport should be financially supported and buffered against the cost-of-living crisis, while those taking the bus and train can suffer yet another increase.

The announcement that bus and rail fares are to increase by an average of 15% from the new year has been met with consternation from the opposition and indeed public transport users.

It comes at a time when a “supersized” El Niño climate phenomenon has pushed the planet into “uncharted waters”, with more floods, drought, and extreme heat forecast in the coming months, with the potential to threaten millions of lives.

As part of overall carbon reduction targets, a 50% cut has been set for the transport sector by 2030. However, transport is on course to reduce its emissions by just 28% if additional measures are implemented; reductions would only reach 15% based on current measures.

Even for those unconcerned about climate change, ramping up public transport fares at a time when families and individuals are facing massive increases in insurance, food, and energy bills is yet another blow. It will do nothing to ease congestion on our roads, which is expected to worsen in the coming years.

‘Government’s not in a position to fund everything forever’: Taoiseach defends bus and rail fare hikes

Coalition urged to immediately reverse planned bus and rail fare hikes

Taoiseach Micheál Martin defended the planned increases, which will come into force from January, stating that the Government is “not in a position to fund everything forever”. Mr Martin added that “sustainable funding models for a lot of State services” will have to be found, which he thought would be “fairly clear too”.

The coalition, however, has been in a position to fund an extension to a cut in excise on petrol and diesel, which was authorised during a special sitting of the Dáil last week.

“It’s literally a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul, and it’s punishing the behaviour they want, sustainable transport use, to enable the behaviour they don’t want, private transport use,” said Dublin Commuter Coalition chairperson Jason Cullen in reaction.

He suggested this measure will cost the Exchequer around €2m a day, which is the equivalent rise in income that will be generated through increased public transport fares.

“Public transport users are being fleeced to pay for the private transport users to continue to drive their cars at a slightly cheaper rate,” he told Newstalk radio.

A Department of Transport report published last year was almost resigned to the fact that traffic congestion will increase significantly over the coming decades across the regional cities, primarily driven by population and economic growth.

What’s your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

However, the analysis found that congestion on our roads, which also carries an economic cost, can be mitigated through modal shift to sustainable modes and behavioural change.

Providing a frequent public transport network is key to changing behaviour and attitudes. But so too is cost.

The previous Government made several moves to bring down the cost of sustainable modes of transport, including a 20% PSO fare reduction and the introduction of the Young Adult Leap Card.

Last year, 363.5 million journeys were taken on public transport services, up from 343.6 million in 2024 and 290m in 2019. When reliable and cost-effective public transport is on offer, people will use it.

Hiking fares is not only politically toxic, it is also nonsensical at a time when the State should be encouraging greater use of buses and trains.

Ministers worried continued cuts to fuel taxes could hit budgets for their departments

185th Anniversary Offer

Six months of digital access for €18.50

Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get offer

No obligation. Ts&Cs apply.

CLIMATE & SUSTAINABILITY HUB

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

NEWSLETTERS

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

Our children deserve early years education that prioritises their needs over profits

READ NOW
Subscribe Now