Northern Ireland's public transport network has said its fares remain "affordable" ahead of a price increase from next week.
Standard fares on Translink services will rise on average by approximately 7% from Monday, March 6 while early bird options on the cost on journeys from certain towns and cities will no longer be available
The changes will affect those who travel on its Metro, Glider, NI Railways, Enterprise, Goldliner and Ulsterbus services.
Read more: Translink issue progress update on new Belfast transport hub
The revision of fares follows a Written Ministerial Statement by the Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris in November, when he said that steps would need to be taken to improve Translink’s sustainability through the uprating of public transport fares.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has said it "fully recognises the challenges facing many people in the current cost of living crisis but added that "significant budget pressures mean the below inflation uplift is needed to maintain and improve public transport services".
"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," a DfI spokesperson added.
"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."
A Translink spokesperson added: “The fares revision follows a statement by the Secretary of State regarding the need to uprate public transport fares to address the sustainability of public transport and ensure services are maintained and improved, given the current funding pressures on NI finances.
“Fares have been frozen for four years; however, we understand any increase is unwelcome given the cost of living pressures our passengers are already facing.
“We have worked very hard to keep fares affordable and good value for as many people as possible. We 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.
“With a range of ticket options available, ahead of Monday we encourage all our customers to determine the best value fare to suit their individual needs and ensure they keep their travel costs as low as possible.
“We are confident that public transport is still an attractive and competitive option, compared to private motoring particularly given the cost of fuel. It is also the heathier, smarter and cleaner travel choice for a better-connected society.”
What will the fare increases mean for bus and train users?
Cash singles will increase by between 20p and £1
Multi-journey Smartlink tickets will increase by between 20p and 80p
Early bird fares will no longer be available
YLink 50% off travel (conditions apply) for 16-23-year-olds
Ulsterbus Town Services - Smartlink Day travel £2.30
Town Service Paper Day Ticket £3
Town Service Weekly/Monthly Smartlink
- Weekly Smartlink £10.50
- Monthly Smartlink £42
Sunday Bus Rambler ticket £10
Family and Friends ticket £23
Details on best value fares are available via Translink's website, Contact Centre and at local stations.
READ MORE:
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- Councils can't change parking charges due to Stormont's collapse
Translink update on future plans for Belfast city centre landmark
- Translink outlines ticket price changes after 7% hike
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