DROGHEDA RAIL USERS STILL WAITING FOR FAIRER FARES
2 October 2023
Hard-pressed Drogheda rail commuters are still waiting for fairer fares, and Deputy Ged Nash has been informed that the wait is likely to extend into 2024.
He said;
“It was as long ago as April when it was announced that Drogheda would be added to a new outer commuter zone. While this was not the inclusion of the area into the reduced short-hop zone that was promised by government representatives, it represents an improvement for Drogheda commuters who have been short-changed for too long.”
In a response to Deputy Nash, the National Transport Authority has confirmed that the now overdue adjustments to fares in the region will kick in next year, and only if the Transport Minister can secure enough funding in next week’s Budget.
The NTA did confirm that it is their intention to introduce initial adjustments in early 2024, however they have stressed that this is dependent on operators being able to adjust their current ticketing infrastructure with any new fare structures.
The Louth TD said; “Irish Rail management and the NTA need to focus now on getting the systems in place to make this long awaited change happen.
Get Nash said “It is disappointing that this long promised and very necessary fare reduction is to be further delayed at a time when hard working people are already stretched. Expected fare reductions are sorely needed and it is unacceptable that the extortionate commuter fares from Drogheda to Dublin remain so high.
“I will continue to press the Government to ensure that proper allocation of resources, including the rollout by operators is done as soon as possible.”
ENDS