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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that Translink fares will not increase for a second consecutive year, a decision that will be welcomed by commuters in Newry and beyond who rely on buses and trains as part of their daily routine.
The announcement comes against a backdrop of rising fuel and living costs, with the Minister acknowledging the difficult financial position facing both households and the public transport network.
Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan welcomed the decision, saying: "As the public continue to face ongoing financial pressures due to the cost of living crisis it is welcome that Translink fares will be frozen for a second consecutive year."
He pointed to growing demand for public transport as further justification for the move, noting that in 2024/25 Translink recorded three million more passengers than the previous year. "With record numbers of passengers using public transport across the north, freezing fares will encourage more people to use public transport services at a time when cost of living pressures continue," Boylan added.
Minister Kimmins said the decision had not been straightforward given the wider budget environment. "I am fully aware of the financial pressures facing Translink and the wider public sector. This is an extremely constrained budget environment and there are no easy choices. Freezing fares for a second year has required careful consideration."
She added that the fare freeze was intended to offer some relief to those who depend on public transport most. "In the current context of rising fuel and oil prices, I do not believe it would be right to increase public transport fares and place further pressure on workers and families. Many people rely on buses and trains every day and keeping fares stable helps provide some certainty at a very challenging time."
The Minister also pointed to the broader role public transport plays in the economy. "Public transport remains a key part of our economy and our communities with growing passenger numbers showing strong demand. Holding fares at current levels supports that momentum, while recognising the very real cost pressures people are facing elsewhere."
However, not everyone was satisfied with the announcement. MLA and SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson Justin McNulty described the fare freeze as insufficient. "This is an unambitious move from the Minister at a time when we are seeing a huge increase in fuel costs at a time of great economic uncertainty," he said.
McNulty argued the Executive should have gone further, stating: "The SDLP has called on the Minister to work with Executive colleagues to explore reduced public transport fares at this time of crisis and this is yet another missed opportunity for a meaningful intervention." He added that those who depend on public transport "are already paying too much" and that the announcement had been a chance to deliver more meaningful support while encouraging greater use of the transport network.
