‘Major push back’ expected over public transport fare hikes in Galway
Mr O’Neill said the fare increases posed a threat to the growth in public transport use at a time when traffic congestion remains one of Galway’s most significant problems.
“Over the last six years, we have seen a 21 per cent increase in people using public transport, which is fantastic,” Mr O’Neill said.
“We think that this price increase is a major threat to that positive growth.”
Mr O’Neill warned that increasing the cost of public transport risked discouraging people from leaving their cars at home when Galway continues to struggle with congestion.
“There is a great danger of eroding all of the positive change we have seen in the last six years,” he said.
“There will be a major push back against this idea. This will impact all of Galway, from Clifden to Ballinasloe.”
His comments follow the announcement of new fare structures by the National Transport Authority (NTA), which will see adult public transport fares increase by an average of 15 per cent from January 2027.
The NTA said the revised fare structure represents the first broad adjustment to fares since 2018 and that, even following the changes, fares will remain approximately 8 per cent lower than they were eight years ago.
The Galway Commuter Coalition has joined commuter groups representing Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Drogheda in strongly criticising the decision.
In a joint statement, the five organisations described the fare increase as “absolutely unacceptable”.
“Our message to the public across Ireland is clear,” the coalitions said.
“As you cram onto a crowded train or get passed by a full bus in the rain this winter, remember that the government is glad to raise your fares and to use the money they promised you for service improvements on the petrol that you don't burn.”
The groups also argued that international instability and uncertainty in oil markets highlighted the need for Ireland to reduce its dependence on oil and increase investment in public transport.
They called for the fare decision to be reversed and for capital funding for public transport service improvements to be reinstated.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme