50 per cent reduction in fares will increase opportunities for young people, says Smyth
The 50 percent reduction in fares for 19 to 23 year olds will make it easier for young people to use public transport and increase their opportunities, Cllr Hazel Smyth says.
From Monday of this week, public transport fares in Westmeath and across the rest of the country are now half price for people between the ages of 19 and 23, plus full time students over the age of 24.
For the rest of the population fares have been reduced by 20 per cent across the board until the end of the year as part of the government's attempts to tackle the rising cost of living.
The 50 per cent reduction for young people combined with with the additonal 20 per cent decrease in fares means that tickets for young adults are 60 per cent less than they were at the start of the year.
In Mullingar, town fares have dropped to 0.55 cent for a single ticket on the Young Adult Leap Card. This is 71% less than a standard adult cash single. 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. The 50% reduction also applies on the Student Leap Card, which is available to students in full-time education who are 24 years old and above.
Speaking this week, Cllr Smyth welcomed the move as “part of the Green Party’s commitment to reducing the pressures of the rising cost of living and increasing opportunities and mobility for young people”.
“People across the country are coming under more pressure as the price of essentials continues to increase, and these reductions on public transport fares will make a huge difference for people. The permanent 50% price cut for people aged 19-23 will also make it easier for young people to use public transport, increasing their mobility and opportunities,” she said.
Minister for Children, Green Party TD Roderic O’Gorman stated;
“People across the country are coming under more and more pressure as the price of essentials continues to increase. The Green Party fought hard to secure the additional 20% reductions in public transport as part of our response to the rising cost of living, so that everyone could benefit from reduced public transport costs and to support the country’s recovery post-Covid.”