The Green Party in Kerry has welcomed the fact that travel on public transport is now half price for people between the ages of 19 and 23.
With the additional 20 per cent fare reduction on all public transport announced as part of the government’s cost of living supports, this means that public transport costs for young adults will be 60 per cent cheaper until the end of this year.
Fares on intercity rail and bus services now reflect the reduced price.
Kerry Green Party spokesman Anluan Dunne said with the new reductions in fares, public transport has suddenly become a much cheaper option than owning and running a car.
“This is a targeted measure which aims to reduce the cost of transport for people on lower incomes such as students,” he said.
Mr Dunne stated that for the first time in decades, the government is working hard to increase and expand public transport services across the country.
“We in the Kerry Greens continue to lobby for enhanced services and more routes to be added. We want to see a commuter rail service from Tralee to Mallow every 30 minutes, town bus services in Tralee and Killarney and the implementation of the enhanced rural services through Local Link and Connecting Ireland,” he said.
While the 20 per cent reduction on all fares will run to the end of 2022, the 50 per cent reduction for 19 to 23-year-olds is permanent and the yearly savings for young people could be significant.
The 50 per cent reduction also applies on the Student Leap Card, which is available to students in full-time education who are 24 years old and above.
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