Fares will 'still be lower than European averages'
Spokesperson with Iarnrod Eireann Barry Kenny has said public travel fares are still among the lowest in Europe even with the upcoming fare increases.
Commuters can expect to fork out more for bus, rail and Luas fares from December 1.
Bus Eireann prices will go up by around 6%, Dublin Bus ticket prices will increase by between 4% and 7%, while Irish rail Dart prices will go up by 10%, and intercity services will increase by between 2% and 4%.
This is the second phase of price hikes to be introduced by the National Transport Authority in a matter of weeks.
Mr Kenny explained why these fare increases have to be brought in.
He said: "What we have seen obviously is very significant reductions in subvention payments which are already among the lowest in Europe.
"Even with these increases, our fare levels will still be lower than European averages.
"The fact of the matter is that, when you get two major sources of revenue from the fare box and from public service obligation payments from the State, and when one goes down, if you are going to maintain the level of services you do have to make up the shortfall."
