Recently re-elected Fine Gael Councillor Neale Richmond has welcomed this week’s announcement of a simplified package of fares for schoolchildren and teens using public transport for the new school year. The announcement which was made by Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar and Minister of State for Commuter & Public Transport Alan Kelly, followed discussions between Minister Varadkar, parents and students.
“I very much welcome this week’s announcement and I am very happy that the fares package for 16, 17 and 18 year olds will be put in place in advance of the new school term.
“The aim of this package is to make life easier for families, and encourage more school children using public transport to get to and from school, and for extra-curricular activities.
“In March of this year Young Fine Gael launched a nationwide ‘Fair Fares’ campaign that sought to bring public attention to the unfair and inconsistent structure whereby students aged between 16 – 18 years of age were paying full adult fares with no consistent policy regarding School IDs. The ‘Fair Fares’ campaign also included a strong social media presence and lobbying of the four main public transport providers and the National Transport Authority. I am very happy that this campaign has been successful and congratulate them on a great outcome.
“Child fares will now apply to everyone aged between 4 and 18 (inclusive) using a Leap Card. The Child Fare offer will be extended to 16, 17 and 18 year olds from August. Many of these passengers currently pay adult fares once they reach 16.
“The new fares package will initially be available on Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and short-hop Irish Rail in Dublin, and on Bus Éireann services in the Greater Dublin Area.
“The aim of this new fare structure is to encourage more young people and families to use public transport to get to school, for leisure and throughout their lives. A simpler and cheaper fares structure across different types of public transport is the best way to go.”