Public Transport Fares to rise by 7%

The cost of Public transport is to rise by approximately 7% from next month the Department for Infrastructure have revealed.

Fares are set to change from Monday 6 March 2023 after remaining frozen for around four years.

The changes, which affect travel on NI Railways, Enterprise, Goldliner, Ulsterbus, Metro and Glider services, will see standard fares increase on average by approximately 7%.

In his Written Ministerial Statement of 24 November 2022, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland stated that steps would need to be taken to improve Translink’s sustainability through the uprating of public transport fares.

A DfI statement said "Translink will continue to offer a range of good value fares and we would encourage users of public transport to look for the best value options available. We would also continue to encourage people to reduce carbon emissions by walking, wheeling or cycling or using public transport, rather than private vehicles, to help address the climate emergency."

Translink’s Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive, said: “We understand this will add to the cost-of-living pressures our passengers are already facing, however we have worked very hard to keep fare adjustments low and indeed having had no fare increase in four years, in real terms our fares still offer good value.   

“We also recognise the need to support the many young people who have been particularly impacted by the pandemic and cost of living crisis.  yLink card discounts have been increased to 50% off from a third off while maintaining free access to the card for all 16–23-year-olds to help support them at this difficult time. 

“Most cash single fares across the network will increase by around 7%, however we continue to offer a range of good value fares, e.g. day tickets and Smartlink on Metro, Smartlink on Ulsterbus and weekly and monthly discounts on NI Railways. Discounts on day return fares after 9.30am for rail and Ulsterbus journeys will change to offer around25% off in most cases."

Fare deals are available online at www.translink.co.uk by calling the Translink contact centre on 028 9066 6630 or by visiting the local bus or train station for advice.