Row over Luas plan for parking charges
The Government must ensure passengers on Dublin’s new light rail service are not hit by parking charges, it was urged today.
The head of the Dáil transport Committee said Luas bosses must not be allowed to charge passengers €4 per day to use their 'Park n’ Ride' facilities.
Eoin Ryan said: “I will strongly encourage the Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan to block these plans.
“This Government encourages the use of public transport therefore we must make services more affordable and attractive.”
“It is unacceptable for Luas to charge passengers for parking at their ‘Park n’ Ride’ facilities on top of ticket fares.”
Mr Ryan said he would be seeking a meeting with Mr Brennan and Luas chief executive Frank Allen to put an end to the proposed ‘Park n’ Ride’ charges.
The TD said Iarnrod Éireann was forced to back down last year on its plans to introduce parking charges at selected DART stations in Dublin.
Mr Ryan said the same amount of pressure must now be placed on the Luas bosses to ensure the new public transport system is widely used.
The Railway Procurement Agency, which oversees the multi-million euro Luas, set the outlined fares at €2 one-way, €3.80 return, €1.30 minimum and 80 cent for children.
Senior citizens will be able to avail of free travel on the network.
Trams are already making practice runs on the Sandyford to St Stephen’s Green line which is due to be opening to customers at the end of this month.
The track from Tallaght to Connolly Station will be next in line to open to passengers in August.
