Labour’s representative in Laois has called on the government to introduce the promised lower fares on public transport immediately.
It was announced previously that people would be entitled to a 20% reduction in public transport fees in a bid to battle the soaring cost of living.
But Eoin Barry, who is contesting a seat in the Seanad bye-election at present, says this change will not come into force until May.
That is three months away and the Crettyard man said that hard-pressed families simply cannot wait that long.
He said: “The 20% cut to public transport fares won’t come in until May.
“People are already struggling with the high cost of living, and as Covid restriction are lifted, now is the time to encourage people back onto the bus and train.
“There’s been lots of commitments from the government to support public transport, but they all seem to be on the long finger.
“The Budget promised half price fares for young people aged between 19 and 23 but we still have no idea when this will become a reality. All we’ve been told is mid-2022.
“Last week the Labour Party revealed that there are no plans yet in place to ensure the half price fares for young people apply to all commercial operators which provide a lot of services outside of the main towns and cities.
“Once again rural areas are being left behind. When this announced in the October Budget we were told it would apply to the national transport network.
“With more people availing of flexible working arrangements after the pandemic, maybe spending 3 days in the office, and two working at home there is a need to also update the annual TaxSaver ticket to make it more flexible.
“For commuters this is a major concern. Ensuring people make greater use of public transport is central to meeting our carbon targets.
“Transport affordability and access remains a huge issue for students and young workers in terms of the cost of living, as well as having a crucial role to play in climate action. We need action, not words, from this government.”
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