Frustration at delay to rollout of new fare structures

Delays in rolling out the new fare structure is set to negatively impact thousands of hard-pressed commuters, according to Cllr Sharon Tolan, Fine Gael General Election Candidate for Meath East, who is calling on the Minister for Transport to intervene and ensure that the National Transport Authority (NTA) immediately implements the promised fare reductions for the Dublin Commuter Zone.

"The NTA’s decision to delay the implementation of the new Dublin Commuter Zone until Q1 2025 is deeply frustrating and disappointing. Students starting college this term, along with thousands of daily commuters, are now facing higher travel costs that were supposed to be reduced by September 2024," said Cllr Tolan.

“The disparity in fares between these towns and those within the Short Hop Zone is glaring, and it’s unfair to ask residents to wait even longer when the NTA had committed to resolving this issue by now. People have bought homes in these towns, secured childcare, and made decisions about school and work, all based on the promised fare reduction. Now, they’re left in limbo and forced to deal with fares they can’t afford.

"The machines are there, the infrastructure is ready, but commuters are still being asked to pay higher prices for months to come. This isn't just a delay; it's a betrayal of the trust that people have placed in the system."