Sir, – I am writing to express my concern about the exorbitant cost of public transportation in Ireland, an issue that affects countless commuters and raises serious questions about sustainability and accessibility.
For example, travelling from Newbridge to Dublin Heuston by train costs €8.45 one-way when booked online, or €12 when purchased at the station. Adding the Luas fare of €2, a round-trip can cost between €21 and €28 per day. For many, this equates to around two hours of earnings spent solely on transport.
In comparison, driving the same distance of approximately 100 km round-trip costs about €16 to €17 for diesel, which is significantly less. This stark price difference discourages the use of public transport, undermining efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Don’t you think public transport is meant to provide a cost-effective alternative to private transport? Yet in Ireland, it seems the whole meaning of public transport has been turned upside down.
The situation becomes even more frustrating when considering the inconsistency in pricing between stations. For instance, while Newbridge to Heuston costs €8.45 (or €12), the fare from Sallins and Naas – just 10km away – is only €3.60. Such arbitrary zone-based pricing disproportionately penalises those living further from Dublin, making public transport less appealing.
Mark O'Connell: The mystery is not why we Irish have responded to Israel’s barbarism. It’s why others have not
Eurovision boycott, Ozempic, bike shed: Here's what Irish Times readers searched for most in 2024
Tasty vegetarian options for Christmas dinner that can be prepared ahead of time
‘One Christmas Day my brother set me on fire’: seven writers spill their most bizarre Yuletide yarns
Moreover, Newbridge was announced to be included in the short commute zone on September 6th, 2023. This was part of a measure aimed at reducing fares for commuters and making public transport more affordable and accessible for those travelling to Dublin.
However, as of now, it seems that the implementation of this change, including the installation of Leap card pods, has yet to occur. More than a year later, there has been no adjustment in pricing, and the anticipated Leap Card integration at Newbridge station remains unimplemented.
Buses from Newbridge to Dublin city run every 30 minutes, yet they are consistently overcrowded.
It is not uncommon for passengers to miss three to four buses before finally getting a ride into Dublin.
Is this really the quality of transport we are paying taxes for? Or is the Government solely focused on improving Dublin’s transport system while neglecting the needs of people living in towns outside the city?
Ireland’s public transport system, despite the high fares, lags behind those of other European countries, even ones less economically advanced.
Affordable and efficient public transport is a hallmark of modern, sustainable nations, yet here, commuters feel penalised for choosing eco-friendly options.
I urge the Government and relevant authorities to address these issues urgently. Reducing fares, implementing consistent pricing across zones, and delivering on promises like Leap card integration are essential steps toward creating a transport system that serves everyone equitably. – Yours, etc,
KANAK SHARMA,
Newbridge,
Co Kildare.