Fares on both bus and rail services across Northern Ireland are set to increase from next month. The price increases will impact on most fares across the Metro, NI Railways and Ulsterbus services, the transport operator said. Translink said the increases will come into effect from Monday June 3.
The majority of passengers will see their fares increase by 6% on bus and 10% on rail. In real terms, this means most Metro/Glider cash singles will increase by 10p, most Ulsterbus and Goldliner cash singles will increase between 10p and 50p depending on distance, and most rail cash singles will increase between 20p and £1.50 depending on distance.
This decision does not impact on cross border coach and rail fares. The Consumer Council has criticised Translink’s decision to increase fares. “The announcement today that Translink is to increase its average fares by 6% for bus and 10% for rail is a blow for public transport users,” Peter McClenaghan from the organisation said.
“This review comes on the back of an average 7% fare increase across all Translink services in March 2023 and rail fare increases in November 2023. "It will disproportionately affect low-income passengers, who have no travel option other than public transport and who are already struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.” Mr McClenaghan said he understands the impact the cost of living crisis and a lack of government funding has had on operating public transport in Northern Ireland, but claimed t.
