'Unacceptable' - Waterford bus fares about to rise by 15%

The Department of Transport have announced a 15% price hike in bus fares. 

The news has drawn widespread criticism as the increase goes against Government pledges to make public transport a greener, more acessible alternative to private car ownership. 

Waterford TD David Cullinane called the price hike 'unacceptable' in light of the ongoing cost of living crisis. 

He stated: "People in Waterford are being asked to pay more for public transport while still waiting for the improved services they have been promised.

“Waterford has been left out of BusConnects, there have been no significant new services delivered this year, and communities across the city and county are still crying out for better bus connectivity.

“At the same time, fares are now set to rise by around 15% on average. That is completely unacceptable in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

The Sinn Féin deputy commented on the disparity between the Government's promise to improve public transport while making services more expensive. 

He said: "The Government says it wants people to leave the car at home, but you cannot encourage people onto public transport by making it more expensive while services remain overcrowded, unreliable or simply unavailable.

“Waterford needs more frequent city services, better links between our towns and villages, and improved rail connectivity. Instead, people are being handed another price increase."

Deputy Cullinane called on the Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien to prevent the price hikes and to improve services in Waterford. 

He said: "The Minister must intervene, stop these fare hikes and provide the NTA with the funding needed to expand services in Waterford and across the state.

“Affordable and reliable public transport should be part of the solution to the cost-of-living and climate crises – not another bill for workers and families.”

The Department of Transport have been reached for comment.