Translink Fares To Increase

Fares are to increase on Metro, train and bus service from February, Translink has said.

From Monday 16 February next year, most Metro fares are to rise by 10p, while Ulsterbus and NI Railways fares will increase by 4% and 4.5% on average, respectively.

Customers are being urged by Translink to switch to multi-journey ticket deals rather than paying cash for individual fares to help save money.

The company said its 'Smartlink' deal offers savings of almost 40% on bus services.

SDLP Spokesperson on Regional Development John Dallat said: "After investing millions of pounds in new buses and trains in a successful campaign to encourage people to leave their cars at home we now find that Translink is effectively 'killing the goose that lays the golden egg'. In the last few years the Derry-Belfast train has increased passenger numbers from 400,000 to 1.2 million, a clear indication that when investment is made in public transport the public will respond positively.

"This proposal unilaterally reached by Translink with no consultation of any kind is worthy of much more than just a one-day-protest. It calls for a root and branch examination of Translink and those who are currently deciding policy. This clearly includes the non-elected board of directors who are, in my opinion, not fit for purpose and have neither passion, vision or the staying-power to see through a new and integrated public transport system fit for purpose.

"Apart from set-back for the environment and road safety there is also the impact these fare increases will have on those struggling at the margins who don’t have the choice of private transport and rely on buses and trains for getting about. The average increase of 4.5% is steep and will simply force poor people further into poverty."

(IT/CD)