Nationwide public transport fares to rise by 15% in January
Thursday 3 September 2026
Irish public transport fares will increase by an average of 15% in January, marking the first general price rise for bus and rail passengers in nearly ten years.
Irish public transport fares will increase by an average of 15% starting in January, marking the first general price rise in nearly a decade.
The nationwide increase, which applies to bus and train services, represents a shift from previous transport funding policies. In 2022, public transport fares were reduced by an average of 20%, leading to the introduction of measures such as Dublin's €2 flat Leap card fare for 90 minutes of travel.
Brian Caulfield, a professor in transportation at Trinity College Dublin, stated that the decision erodes the benefits of the previous fare reductions.
The policy shift has also drawn criticism from political figures. Former transport minister Eamon Ryan criticised the decision, stating that it suggests a willingness to maintain car dependency. Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman claimed that current record levels of public transport use, which he stated were driven by the 2022 fare reductions, are now being jeopardised.