Transport chiefs have no plans to reduce train fares for passengers in Greystones

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

The National Transport Authority (NTA) have no plans to reduce public transport fares for passengers in Greystones.

In April 2023, the NTA published a new National Fares Strategy, aiming to deliver a more consistent fare structure for all passengers.

Following this, the NTA commenced a phased rollout of revised fare zones and structures.

Phase 1 was implemented in June 2024, focusing on fare changes for towns and shorter journeys within Dublin.

Phase 2 took effect at the end of April 2025 which saw new multi-modal fare caps in Dublin and revised commuter rail fares in surrounding counties.

Under the structures the Dublin Commuter Zone is divided into Dublin city zone one, then zones two, three and four based on the distance from the city centre.

The move means reduced fares to and from Drogheda, Laytown, Enfield, Newbridge, Kildare, Wicklow town and Rathdrum.

Although ticket prices for zone two, which includes Greystones have seen a significant increase in prices.

The changes mean a single ticket to Dublin on the DART have risen from €3.90 to €5.10, while a return ticket has jumped from €7.20 to €9.20.

Following a parliamentary question from Sinn Fein TD John Brady, Transport Minister Darragh O’ Brien said It is the NTA’s intention to roll out further changes in future that will be easier for customers to understand.

“The new system aligns fares with distance, meaning some fares increase while others decrease, but the structure is now equitable and easier to understand.”

“Average fares on all transport services per passenger in Ireland remains quite low in comparison to other countries. My department supports these measures in line with recent commitments to keep fares low and affordable.”

“However as with all such measures, further expansion and changes will be considered in upcoming discussions with the NTA.”