Menu
22/06/2010
Increases 'Just Not Fare', Says Watchdog
The Consumer Council has criticised Translink for its latest fare increase, claiming that customers who pay cash will unfairly be the ones hardest hit.
Translink will increase prices on some journeys by almost 8%, prompting the watchdog to condemn the move.
From next Monday passengers who pay by cash will be faced with average increases of 2.5% on Metro and Ulsterbus services.
This is beacuse there will be no increase in the cost of Smartlink and iLink multi-journey tickets.
However, those who travel with Northern Ireland Railways will face a 4% price hike and, depending on the journey, some could pay fares which are between 5.2% and 7.7% higher.
Antoinette McKeown, the watchdog's Chief Executive, said increasing cash fares in the current economic climate was "the wrong move".
Translink said that it had been working hard to keep fares as low as possible but admitted that most cash bus fares will rise by 10p but also said there will be no increase in the cost of the Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin.
Translink spokesperson Ciaran Rogan said that customers should use Smartlink cards, which would save customers up to 35% compared to cash fares.
Currently 20% of Metro users and 6% of Ulsterbus customers use a Smartlink card.
Mr Rogan added: "Our bus and train services are used by almost 80 million passengers each year and recent surveys tell us that customer satisfaction remains high.
"We are confident that bus and rail travel is the most attractive and cost effective travel choice, particularly with the sharply increasing prices at the petrol pump."
(BMcC/GK)
Translink will increase prices on some journeys by almost 8%, prompting the watchdog to condemn the move.
From next Monday passengers who pay by cash will be faced with average increases of 2.5% on Metro and Ulsterbus services.
This is beacuse there will be no increase in the cost of Smartlink and iLink multi-journey tickets.
However, those who travel with Northern Ireland Railways will face a 4% price hike and, depending on the journey, some could pay fares which are between 5.2% and 7.7% higher.
Antoinette McKeown, the watchdog's Chief Executive, said increasing cash fares in the current economic climate was "the wrong move".
Translink said that it had been working hard to keep fares as low as possible but admitted that most cash bus fares will rise by 10p but also said there will be no increase in the cost of the Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin.
Translink spokesperson Ciaran Rogan said that customers should use Smartlink cards, which would save customers up to 35% compared to cash fares.
Currently 20% of Metro users and 6% of Ulsterbus customers use a Smartlink card.
Mr Rogan added: "Our bus and train services are used by almost 80 million passengers each year and recent surveys tell us that customer satisfaction remains high.
"We are confident that bus and rail travel is the most attractive and cost effective travel choice, particularly with the sharply increasing prices at the petrol pump."
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
17 September 2021
Taxi Fare Review Announced By Infrastructure Minister
A targeted consultation on a taxi fare review has been announced by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, as part of her ongoing plans to assist the taxi industry as they rebuild following the Covid restrictions.
Taxi Fare Review Announced By Infrastructure Minister
A targeted consultation on a taxi fare review has been announced by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, as part of her ongoing plans to assist the taxi industry as they rebuild following the Covid restrictions.
27 August 2009
Aer Lingus Hits Turbulent Times
The Irish state-sponsored airline Aer Lingus has reported large losses due to the downturn in global travel.
Aer Lingus Hits Turbulent Times
The Irish state-sponsored airline Aer Lingus has reported large losses due to the downturn in global travel.
27 March 2006
Bus and rail fares increase
Increases on bus and rail fares have come into effect across Northern Ireland as from today. From this morning, the cost of using the Metro service has risen by 7%, with Ulsterbus and NIR fares both rising by 9%. Translink have blamed the hike on the impact of rising energy prices, which has resulted in the additional cost of fuel.
Bus and rail fares increase
Increases on bus and rail fares have come into effect across Northern Ireland as from today. From this morning, the cost of using the Metro service has risen by 7%, with Ulsterbus and NIR fares both rising by 9%. Translink have blamed the hike on the impact of rising energy prices, which has resulted in the additional cost of fuel.
16 February 2015
Translink Price Hikes In Effect
Increases to prices across Translink's services have come into effect, following two years of being frozen. Most Metro fares have increased by 10p, while Ulsterbus journeys have increased on average by 4% and NI Railways 4.5%. The increase in prices is above the rate of inflation.
Translink Price Hikes In Effect
Increases to prices across Translink's services have come into effect, following two years of being frozen. Most Metro fares have increased by 10p, while Ulsterbus journeys have increased on average by 4% and NI Railways 4.5%. The increase in prices is above the rate of inflation.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
