Sinn Féin are “better alternative” on public transport, says Ward, as party calls for free public transport for under-18s

Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward has announced that Sinn Féin will introduce a motion in the Dáil which would scrap the planned public transport fare increases and introduce free public transport for all under-18s.

The Dublin Mid-West TD said that the planned fares must be scrapped.

“Workers and families in Dublin are already under enormous pressure from the rising cost of living.  The last thing they need is for the government to make it more expensive to get to work, school, college or other essential services.  Yet that is exactly what this government is pressing ahead with,” he said.

“Instead of prioritising pay rises for public transport CEOs, they should put ordinary workers and families first and scrap these price hikes,” the Sinn Féin Dublin spokesperson said.

“Simon Harris says he wants a budget for people who get up early.  These are the very people who face long commutes every day, who are already struggling with rising household bills and living costs.  Now the government expects them to pay.”

Ward said “these fare hikes are a slap in the face to ordinary workers, students, pensioners and families. “

“What is even more frustrating is that while commuters are being asked to pay more, millions of euros are being squandered through waste, overruns and failed projects.  Time and again, the public is left picking up the tab for poor decisions, while accountability is nowhere to be found.

Ward said that the government parties are not delivering public transprot improves in his communities.

“Dart+ South West, which would bring Dart services to Clondalkin, Lucan and Adamstown was granted permission in November 2024. Despite the Minister’s arguments, the funding for this project has not been released,” he said.

“The government claims it wants more people using public transport, but its actions tell a different story.  Increasing fares while asking people to leave their cars at home makes no sense.  It sends the wrong signal entirely at a time when households are looking for relief from soaring costs,” he said.

“Residents in my area have no choice but to drive. There is growing concern and conflict among residents in new higher density multi-unit developments in Dublin Mid-West. Under government planning rules, car parking ratios have been reduced in developments across Adamstown, Clonburris, Kilcarberry and City West. These reduced car parking ratios are predicated on the provision of high-frequency public transport,” he said.

The Sinn Féin TD said that his party were offering a “better alternative,”and that the party’s upcoming Dáil motion calls for these fare hikes to be scrapped, to invest in more services and for free public transport to be introduced for all under-18s.

“No child should miss out on opportunities because of the cost of travel.  Free public transport for young people would help families with the cost of living, encourage public transport use and make our transport system more accessible for everyone.

“This comes down to political choices.  The government can make workers and families pay more, or it can choose to support commuters and invest in affordable public transport.  Sinn Féin believes the choice is clear,” he said.