Bus ticket price rises of 69% on Navan-Trim route

Bus Eireann has increased the prices of bus tickets to and from Trim by as much as almost 70 per cent for an adult day return. The day return adult ticket from Navan to Trim, or vice versa, used to cost €3.90 but now has increased by 69 per cent to €6.60, while the cost of a child day return is up to €4.20 from €3.30 - 27 per cent. Other increases see a child single up 50 cent to €3 (20 per cent) and an adult single is up to €4.50 from €3.10 (45 per cent). A spokesperson for Bus Eirean said that the fares had been on a promotional discount and had now returned to normal levels. "Changes to fares between Navan and Trim on the route 188 came into effect on Tuesday 8th November 2011. Fares for journeys to/from Navan and Trim area returned to the standard rates on 8th November 2011 following the end of a promotion on discounted fares. Customers were informed of this change," the spokesperson said. The Navan-Trim section is the only section of the 188 route affected by price changes, with all Trim-Drogheda prices remaining the same. Trim Chamber of Commerce president Noel French said the price rise seemed to be very high. "I don't think passengers were aware it was a promotional fare. I'd be worried for people going to Trim from Navan or vice versa.We do have a lot of people who use the facilities in each town and there are commuters from each town to the other, never mind those who regularly visit friends or relatives" he said. "Obviously, it is of concern to businesses as well because ease of access is needed for a good commercial basis to any town - remember, one time there was a campaign for a link between the towns and it's obviously important for tourism as well. I know people commuting between the towns, coming here, who will be affected by this, but I don't remember it being advertised and it will affect them," he added.