Sinn Féin Councillor Catherine Burke has asked Waterford Council to contact the National Transport Authority in relation to price hikes on the Local Link service.
Addressing Council’s Plenary meeting for March, Cllr. Burke praised the Local Link service, saying it was proving vital for the Comeragh region, before questioning a steep price increase with little notice.
“It has been a wonderful service that many people rely on to get to work college and appointments, and it has made public transport a real option for people living outside local areas, I use the service regularly myself,” said Cllr. Burke.
“However this week I want to highlight that an increase in fares happened with no notice.
“For example, an adult travelling from Bunmahon, Kill, area, using a Leap Card has gone from €14 to €28 per week and from €21 to €46 if you are paying cash. A student fare has risen by €10 to €20,” she said.
“At a time when people have have begun using this route more and more, the buses are packed, increases like this make public transport less attractive than driving. Many people will return to cars if there is not a financial incentive,” said Cllr Burke.
“To add insult to injury, customers were informed of the fare increase less than 24 hours after they came into effect. Students were queueing up and they were told the fares were doubled.
“To be fair to the managers here in Waterford they had instructed the bus drivers to be lenient on the fare increases, however, it is particularly hard for vulnerable people and young people.
“I would ask that the Council here and its members write to the NTA to request that these fares be reconsidered and that reasonable notice and clear advertising for any future increase in fares be provided to the public in advance.”
Director of Services for Transport, Gabriel Hynes, noted Cllr Burke’s comments and agreed to write to the NTA.
AARON KENT
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
