Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Leah Farrell/Rollingnews.ie

It would cost an extra €600 million a year to make public transport free in Ireland

While outlining the figures involved, Shane Ross effectively ruled out such a possibility.

IF IRELAND WAS to follow the example of Luxembourg and make public transport free, it would cost the State at least an extra €600 million a year, Minister Shane Ross has said.

The government also has “no immediate plans” to begin looking into making this a reality either, Ross added.

The Transport Minister was responding to a question put to him via parliamentary question from Solidarity-PBP’s Richard Boyd Barrett.

In December, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said free public transport on trains, trams and buses would be introduced from early 2020.

The tiny country of 600,000 inhabitants had more than 100 million passenger journeys on public transport in 2016. In Ireland, there were well over 100 million journeys on Dublin Bus alone.

A number of European cities provide some degree of free public transport, and Ross told Barrett that the objectives of such initiatives can be to “reduce traffic congestion, to attract people into cities for leisure purposes, and to provide environmental benefits”. 

As highlighted earlier this week, Dublin fares poorly in terms of traffic congestion when it comes to our European counterparts, and was rated among the worst in a new global report.

Ireland’s environmental woes have been well documented, with the country well on course to miss vital emissions targets and face hefty fines. 

Taxpayers already provide funding to the tune of €300 million as subvention for public service obligation (PSO) transport services and rural transport link services.

National Transport Authority (NTA) figures for 2017 show that passengers paid about €580 million in fares on subsidised bus and rail services. 

Ross said: “Therefore, if such services were to be provided free to passengers, then the expected cost to the Exchequer would be in excess of the €580m collected in fares in 2017.”

This would be an additional cost to the €300 million for PSO services and the €95 million which covers the free travel scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection. 

“So taking round approximate figures, the Deputy’s idea would cost the taxpayer about €600 million per year, in addition to the €400 million that the Exchequer already spends on public transport services,” the Minister added.

And this is just the cost of the actual services; it does not count the Exchequer investment in public transport infrastructure which in 2019 is about €350 million and will be rising sharply over the coming years.

This also does not count the likely additional cost associated for additional fleet, depots and drivers to meet the likely demand if fares were eliminated. 

Ross said he had no immediate plans to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of introducing free public transport, but added he was interested in hearing about “innovative and radical ideas” that would meet the needs of passengers, encourage more people out of their cars, while alleviating congestion and helping to tackle climate challenges. 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
101 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Windelhand
    Favourite Windelhand
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:35 AM

    The priority should be to make it good first. We need a massive improvement in the bus service. When people can depend on the bus coming on time they will use it. In Cork at least we are a long way from that.

    292
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John
    Favourite John
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:43 AM

    @Windelhand: agreed.make it good first,and then concentrate on pricing.i also would not make it free,I would charge a nominal amount.

    106
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hardly Normal
    Favourite Hardly Normal
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:16 AM

    @Windelhand: It’s improving to be fair, ballincollig to carrigaline will be a great service outside of rush hour. There’s supposed to be a new 24 hour route connecting Mahon with blarney as well from what I here. It’s far from perfect but at least they’re trying to fix it.

    26
    See 7 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mick paisley
    Favourite Mick paisley
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:28 AM

    @Windelhand: I have recently given up public transport in favour of the car. It’s cheaper to drive and significantly faster, despite the fact that I spend about 10-15 hours a week in traffic. I know my car will be outside the job, no waiting for phantom busses, or trying to squeeze on a dart or luas. I actually think I would quit my job if I had to go back to waiting at bus stops.

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Windelhand
    Favourite Windelhand
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 10:16 AM

    The service in Cork is unusable on many routes if you need to get to a destination at a particular time. Like work. There is no excuse for scheduled busses just not turning up. That happens too often for people to trust the service.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Elizabeth Hourihane
    Favourite Elizabeth Hourihane
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 11:22 AM

    @Windelhand: the social and environmental benefits would far out weight the costs, still no bus route from Passage West to Carrigaline despite all the promises to deliver a service once they moved our health centre feom Passage to Carrigaline.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cork Truck Driver
    Favourite Cork Truck Driver
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 12:37 PM

    @Elizabeth Hourihane: The 220 could easily go via Passage,Monkstown and onto Carrigaline/Crosshaven, or elsedo an extension of the 223 that every second bus would be called the 223A and go via Carrigaline. The solution is easy, getting the pen pushers in the NTA to do it? More difficult. Cork have a number of single and double decker buses sitting in storage that could be put to good use this way, would the unions allow that? who knows.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hardly Normal
    Favourite Hardly Normal
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 12:38 PM

    @Elizabeth Hourihane: that might come once custom house relocates down to ringaskiddy. It’s crazy , there’s not something linking the two and ringaskiddy.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hardly Normal
    Favourite Hardly Normal
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 4:05 PM

    @Cork Truck Driver: that’s too much of a trek for the 220 , ovens, ballincollig, bishopstown,city,Douglas,rochestown, passage,monkstown,shanbally,ringaskiddy, carrigaline, crosshaven fountainstown. It’s bad enough taking 40minutes to get to carrigaline from the city as is.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tomek Lecki
    Favourite Tomek Lecki
    Report
    Feb 17th 2019, 2:37 PM

    @Windelhand: agree at the moment is like monday in stress cus the bus is late or never showed up , tuesday – is like having monaday’s deja vu. wednsday – it’s getting a lil better, thursday is like , not bad, friday – I dont care , weekend has began

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donncha
    Favourite Donncha
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:44 AM

    €600 million has been spent on a lot worse before. Anyone with foresight and a bit of logic should be able to see that it would have huge positive knock-on effects and would likely pay for itself – increased economic activity, healthier public as it would encourage walking, less road maintenance needed, better city environments, faster travel times for everyone, cities become more attractive to foreign investors, and to tourists.

    But no. Let’s just keep doing things the way we’ve always done them. Because it’s been working so well. Plus, I suppose they want all the petrol duty.

    210
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Meade
    Favourite John Meade
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:59 AM

    @Donncha: it’s €600m per year, not a once off cost

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cian
    Favourite Cian
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:06 AM

    @John Meade: So that’s about 200 a year extra tax or 50 a week for less traffic, better environment, fitter people seems ok.

    52
    See 11 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dnote Dotinfo
    Favourite Dnote Dotinfo
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:10 AM

    @Donncha: Actually amazed it would be so cheap. There are so many benefits I can think of it could well pay for itself.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donncha
    Favourite Donncha
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:27 AM

    @John Meade: I’m well aware that it’s a yearly cost. But with 2.3 million people working, it comes to the princely sum of a fiver a week each. That’s if they needed to raise taxes to fund it, which they should not need to do. That is fantastic value for what we would get in return.

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Starburst
    Favourite Starburst
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:32 AM

    @Donncha: there would be a big loss in revenue if everyone started ditching their cars. The government get a lot from car tax and tax in fuel. A strong insurance lobby also

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Glynn
    Favourite David Glynn
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:35 AM

    @Donncha: Well said. You have put forward a case that deserves scrutiny and assessment. And if everyone used it for free then the pressure would be there to curb antisocial behaviour on public transport and make it safer for staff.
    Buses and trains are travelling around half empty most of the time anyway.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ultra Republican
    Favourite Ultra Republican
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:49 AM

    @Donncha: Considering the ballooning overspend already occurring on the NCH, 600 million would be a drop in the bucket to increase economic output, and decrease the chronic congestion into and out of our major cities, caused mostly by rural commuters just trying to get to work.

    Good ideas like this never seem to get off the ground. You could put 300 million into implementing this for rural communities, subsidising the end cost to commuters, and still reap the many rewards.

    Of course, they’d rather sink 2 BILLION!!! on an over the top design, in a difficult to get to location, for the NCH.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Kenny
    Favourite Martin Kenny
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 10:57 AM

    @Donncha: I have a car, no public transport in my area. Why should I pay car repayments, insurance, tax fuel etc on car, and pay for others to have free travel? It’s the same as me paying for my own water well, and my tax paying for everyone else’s too

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Superguy
    Favourite Superguy
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 2:28 PM

    @Martin Kenny: all the better, you don’t have to wait in the rain, drive where and when you want and you have less traffic. I say keep the car!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vin
    Favourite Vin
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 6:07 PM

    @Martin Kenny: I agree. To apply your own logic against you.

    As a Dubliner I resent my taxes subsidising rural areas that are of no benefit to me, including where you live.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Elizabeth Sheehan O'Reilly
    Favourite Elizabeth Sheehan O'Reilly
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 7:05 PM

    @Donncha: well I’m sorry but I don’t want to pay any more tax to subside a service I never use.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute thomas patrick
    Favourite thomas patrick
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 7:38 PM

    @Donncha: I don’t want to use public transport. I bought my own car for that very reason….. So why should I pay a fiver a week for it

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Kenny
    Favourite Martin Kenny
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:41 PM

    @Vin: which of your taxes subsidise me?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keith O'Hanlon
    Favourite Keith O'Hanlon
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:46 AM

    Charge everyone 1 euro to use Dublin bus regardless of length of journey. 100 million journeys on the bus = 100 million euro. Do same for luas and Dart. Then look at a reduced standard fare for National bus and train. Small fare and reliable service = more users = More revenue. Wouldn’t be long making up the 600 million.

    175
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute George Salter
    Favourite George Salter
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:52 AM

    @Keith O’Hanlon: Agreed. I have reason to travel to relatives near Bray, from Cork. Train-Luas-DART-bus and then a 2km walk. Its just economic for a single adult, leaving out the time. However, 2 adult and 1 child train ticket is in excess of €110. I can do the journey in the car three times for that, and carry bags easily. Absolutely no reason to use public transport whatsoever, although I’d like to, at least on occasion.

    118
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Meade
    Favourite John Meade
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:58 AM

    @Keith O’Hanlon: but it’s not a cost of €600m in total, it’s €600m more than it costs already with the current fares. Would take a lot more journeys to make up the money.
    I would love to see free public transport but where would the extra €600m per year come from?

    24
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerry Quinn
    Favourite Gerry Quinn
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 10:07 AM

    @George Salter: To be fair, the bus tends to be less than half the price of the train.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute George Salter
    Favourite George Salter
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 6:30 PM

    @Gerry Quinn: True. But a 5-year old on the bus is chaotic. Also, I then need to get from Mallow to Cork, or do Mallow- Limerick then change for Dublin… Finally, Mallow- Cork is pretty much the same price as Mallow-Galway, by bus. Lunacy.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute alan doyle
    Favourite alan doyle
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:33 AM

    Sure it’s free for the grey brigade already

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute In my opinion
    Favourite In my opinion
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:38 AM

    @alan doyle: and why shouldn’t it be free for OAP and people with disabilities

    155
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute White Rabbit
    Favourite White Rabbit
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:57 AM

    @alan doyle: the use the word brigade in the journal comments section brigade are out early today.

    42
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Moran
    Favourite Declan Moran
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:22 AM

    @alan doyle: Yes Alan, of which you will be one someday and I doubt you will turn it down then

    45
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jesus Christ
    Favourite Jesus Christ
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:48 AM

    Rather than make it free, expand it. More buses, more dedicated lanes and 24 hour bus routes.

    45
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mel Fitzpatrick
    Favourite Mel Fitzpatrick
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:35 AM

    This is a fantastic idea

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Hughes
    Favourite Peter Hughes
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:21 AM

    @Mel Fitzpatrick: No no this money needs to be spent on who really needs it, the out of control PS pay and pensions bill of course…..its getting bigger by the year and will do until it bankrupts us again.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute EDun
    Favourite EDun
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 10:07 AM

    @Peter Hughes: if it would help meet our emissions targets and avoid those fines I thinks not a bad idea. Maybe just have it as a euro per journey if using leap cards so at least there’s some nominal cost. It’ll help get people back to work in lower paying jobs that are otherwise unaffordable, and for others they will have a little more money in their back pocket to spend on VATable goods and stimulate the economy. Tourism industry would also benefit.

    32
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mel Fitzpatrick
    Favourite Mel Fitzpatrick
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 10:57 AM

    @Peter Hughes: I guarantee if all public transport was free the €600m would be recouped double each year.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Amanda Burns
    Favourite Amanda Burns
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:18 AM

    Make it free? Why should it be free?
    Surely the most important thing is make it decent first, I realise that the cities are the most important when it comes to public transport but the country in general has woeful systems. Us country folk just have to have a car to work, and that’s that, and it shouldn’t be…
    Health, public transport, homelessness, its all a mess, government is so bad, but putting people of their ages in charge of a country? I mean really, 30somethings don’t know enough about life to run a country, not to mention ones who had a very cushy upbringing

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John
    Favourite John
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 10:23 AM

    @Amanda Burns: us city folk have to pay 4 to 5 times the property tax as rural folk(a percentage of that goes straight down the country to prop up broke county councils)we also have to pay a huge amount more for our properties in the first place and the cost of living is also way more expensive.this shouldn’t be………..the benefits of living in a city vs rural and visa versa.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute An bhearna
    Favourite An bhearna
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 12:22 PM

    @Amanda Burns: Ah “us country folk” living in one off housing and wanting a bus to drive by your front door every hour, a hospital in every town and a post office which can double up as a social club in every village.

    8
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Healy
    Favourite Chris Healy
    Report
    Feb 17th 2019, 8:27 AM

    @Amanda Burns: I’m willing to be that many a country road that country folk drive on to get to work is paid for predominately by urban tax dollars. But yes, I agree, it shouldn’t be free.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Doyle
    Favourite Dave Doyle
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 10:56 AM

    The service doesn’t need to be “free”. Make it affordable, reliable, plentiful, subsidise it properly. Have “park and ride” facilities all around the outskirts of Dublin. Make it attractive to use.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute WoodlandBard
    Favourite WoodlandBard
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:47 AM

    I would prefer that money be used to improve health services, myself.m

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Wallace
    Favourite James Wallace
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:59 AM

    @WoodlandBard: history would indicate that throwing even more money into the black hole of the HSE makes no difference to the level of services. It needs root and branch reform, fewer pen pushers and more medical staff at all levels and proper professional management. By all means spend more money on it when it’s fit for purpose.

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aine O Connor
    Favourite Aine O Connor
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:37 AM

    There is a fantastic Bus Service to Dublin and back every day from Wexford Town.
    Bus Eireann every hour on hour.
    Wexford Bus Half an hour later every hour.
    In comparison it took my son 2 hours to drive me to Dublin city Centre from Naas leaving at 7.30am.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hugh Jass
    Favourite Hugh Jass
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 1:26 PM

    @Aine O Connor: There is nothing fantastic about the Bus Eireann bus from Wexford to Dublin unless you really like Arklow.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aine O Connor
    Favourite Aine O Connor
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 1:50 PM

    @Hugh Jass:
    But there is the option of the Wexford Bus .

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Greg Dunne
    Favourite Greg Dunne
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:57 AM

    Course Ross would say that. The fine gaulers and their cronies like Ross are pushing privatisation of state run services. Perfectly doable but no will and too much in backhanders to lose

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Nolan
    Favourite Patrick Nolan
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:33 AM

    @Greg Dunne:
    Any privatization of the bus services would be on the existing basis of a contract to provide for a fixed price. The cost of fares or lack thereof would be completely irrelevant, as is your comment.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sarah
    Favourite Sarah
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:31 AM

    That’s a long way off the extra billion we’ve agreed to in military spending thanks to PESCO

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Nolan
    Favourite Patrick Nolan
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:34 AM

    @Sarah:
    Link?

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Mulligan
    Favourite John Mulligan
    Report
    Feb 17th 2019, 7:55 AM

    @Sarah: fantasy figure.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Leo Fitzgerald
    Favourite Leo Fitzgerald
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:54 AM

    German cities looking at this also and Lord Ross does not take in to account any of the savings that can be made when you do not have to collect revenue. He would rather give out contracts to British bus companies for profit and screw the punters getting the bus. Fares increased by 50% approximately in the 10 years since the crash and government subsidy cut in half so no investment. Maybe it’s time the citizens of this country stand up for themselves and demand better services not asking for free but at a reasonable cost.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Farrell
    Favourite Kevin Farrell
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 11:44 AM

    Well, firstly it’s not clear whether €600 million additional is the actual cost or the revenue lost from making it free. They’re not necessarily the same thing. Did they subtract the costs for ticketing infrastructure and personnel for example, which wouldn’t be needed? Secondly, in any event, €600 million additional sounds like a good deal. Thirdly, of course Ross has said he is not going to do a cost-benefit analysis – that might actually show that it would actually save money to introduce free public transport, which would undermine his privatisation agenda. How much is lost to the economy due to:
    - congestion (SACTRA published a report on this in the UK, decades ago, 1999 I think)
    - road maintenance
    - car accidents
    - FDI deciding to go elsewhere because of creaking transport infrastructure
    - people not getting any exercise by being stuck in their cars, rather than walking to and from the bus/train/luas
    - air pollution
    - fines for not meeting our international CO2 emissions obligations

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Berchmans
    Favourite Michael Berchmans
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 11:21 AM

    €600m well spent, in my opinion. Especially when this govt has no problem overspending by much more on a children’s hospital being built in the wrong place. Or blowing €300m on unsecured Anglo bondholders. €13bn from Apple would cover it for 20 years.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Mulligan
    Favourite John Mulligan
    Report
    Feb 17th 2019, 7:56 AM

    @Michael Berchmans: it’s 600 million a year, it’s not a one-off.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joey Roche
    Favourite Joey Roche
    Report
    Feb 29th 2020, 3:50 PM

    @John Mulligan: yes John, €600m ÷ €13Billion = 21 years + change.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diogenes
    Favourite Diogenes
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:54 AM

    Excellent for myself, along with homeless couch surfers and street homeless, can live on the busses indefinitely.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronaldo Blanc
    Favourite Ronaldo Blanc
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:32 AM

    The FG/Tory clowns in government have actually begun privatising the bus services in Dublin . Its been an absolute disaster in the UK, not that it would stop FG devotion to the market.

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Leo Fitzgerald
    Favourite Leo Fitzgerald
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:45 AM

    @Ronaldo Blanc: That’s what FG do copy every crap policy the Tories come up with.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lobert Rester
    Favourite Lobert Rester
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:47 AM

    Nothing is free in Ireland, if they made public transport free ff/fg would only increase something else to offset it. We are in debt of billions and shall remain so until after our children’s children’s children have passed.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seán Corcoran
    Favourite Seán Corcoran
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:08 AM

    When its €6.75 standard return on the Dart I’m not surprised and all the Dart stations in a heap one wonders where all the at 600 million a year goes.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Blah blah
    Favourite Blah blah
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 10:55 AM

    It doesn’t need to be free…just more affordable! A flat rate of €1 per journey, give value to the service while allowing affordability. For example it shouldn’t be cheaper for a family of 4 to drive from the suburbs of Dublin and pay parking for 2 hours than get a bus, I am often faced with this for a day out and it really annoys me, I choose to get the bus as the kids enjoy it, even though get the bus return costs more and takes longer!

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Big Red
    Favourite Big Red
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2019, 4:46 PM

    @Blah blah: I agree. Myself and the wife brought the 3 kids into town today. It costs Eur 20 on the Dart. Next time we will drive!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute edelno5 .
    Favourite edelno5 .
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:43 AM

    The Dutch have a fantastic public transport system. It’s punctual and very reliable, BUT it’s quite expensive too. You can’t have both. Prices here are reasonable, cheap if you have a leap card.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute neuromancer
    Favourite neuromancer
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 12:23 PM

    How about make all journeys on public transport free between the hours of 7am and 10am, and 5pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday. This would eliminate traffic conjestion during the commuter periods.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Big Red
    Favourite Big Red
    Report
    Apr 22nd 2019, 4:48 PM

    @neuromancer: Or free on the weekend. Get people out more and spending a few quid. That way we won’t make the city centre just a place for work and drinking. It would be great for the economy and people’s feeling of social inclusion.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sharon Clifford
    Favourite Sharon Clifford
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 10:08 AM

    I automatically got a free travel card because I’m on Carers benefit ( my son has special needs) , I don’t need it cos I drive. However my son didn’t get it?! I’d much prefer to pay less tax or fuel costs. Or prefer someone get it that actually needs it. Whole system is flawed .

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Buchanan
    Favourite Peter Buchanan
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 12:29 PM

    No such thing as ‘free’ I guess you mean ‘tax-payer funded’

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marty
    Favourite Marty
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 12:21 PM

    Forgot about free transport we need free healthcare been living in the UK for the last year we are a joke when it comes to doctor and prescriptions, Ireland :€205 whereas UK : 8.50 sterling

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eddie Mc Keown
    Favourite Eddie Mc Keown
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:10 AM

    So they obviously don’t know that if it was free more would use it .

    Therefore lowering the number of cars ,

    we’d have more tourism within the city also bringing in more money . Basic economic scence

    But it also needs to be improved first.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jordan Osullivan
    Favourite Jordan Osullivan
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:49 AM

    Free public transport would be a disaster. It would end up costing far more than 600 million. That’s just based off the number of people that pay for it. How many more people would start using it when it becomes free. It would also wipe out competition with would cause standards to drop.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Leo Fitzgerald
    Favourite Leo Fitzgerald
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 5:39 PM

    @Jordan Osullivan: That’s the point to get more people using it

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joey Roche
    Favourite Joey Roche
    Report
    Feb 29th 2020, 3:51 PM

    @Jordan Osullivan: show us your calculations Jordan

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cian
    Favourite Cian
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:03 AM

    Do it. I’ll pay.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Lynch
    Favourite Michael Lynch
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 12:24 PM

    This is Ireland, remember. Nothing is, or ever will be free.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John
    Favourite John
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 3:12 PM

    @Michael Lynch: rubbish.a certain cohort get everything free.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Richard Barrett
    Favourite Richard Barrett
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 3:21 PM

    Ross has proved to be a huge disappointment as transport minister. His focus has been almost 100% on drink driving while he has ignored the needs of public transport to an appalling degree.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Buchanan
    Favourite Peter Buchanan
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 11:55 AM

    Better than wasting in on NCH

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bhiniáimin Ó Beith
    Favourite Bhiniáimin Ó Beith
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 10:20 AM

    Free primary health care cmon let’s have it strait with priorities

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute yoser hughes
    Favourite yoser hughes
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 10:14 AM

    With the possibility of a reduction in VRT and car tax receipts reducing significantly, even with the possibility of a reduction of fines with the possibility of meeting carbon emissions targets.for a change, they will never bother implementing this. Either way I’d say there would be massive USC type tax banged on us all to pay for it. Ross also said that the price of the present free travel scheme 95 million can be added to the possible cost. The scheme would be null and void if travel was free for all so he is talking pure s@@t. Basic common sense seems to be lost on our ministers.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ross mcgee
    Favourite ross mcgee
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 9:34 AM

    Or to lease 6 squadrons of saab gripen fighter jets to patrol our airspace. Bs

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sharon clifford
    Favourite sharon clifford
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 10:07 AM

    I automatically got a free travel card because I’m on Carers benefit ( my son has special needs) , I don’t need it cos I drive. However my son didn’t get it?! I’d much prefer to pay less tax or fuel costs. Or prefer someone get it that actually needs it. Whole system is flawed .

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vin
    Favourite Vin
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 5:58 PM

    Ok, but could you at least keep fare increases in line with inflation and not 10% increases a year.

    Ross continuously punishes motorists while not offering any alternative….

    No public transport to my work and half the way in no cycle lanes either.

    But yeh if I forget my license I get penalty points, a fine and insurance hike for 3 years.

    Good job ret@rd

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sirius
    Favourite Sirius
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:15 PM

    Why not actually make public transport accessible by more people and make it more reliable first?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Jacobs
    Favourite John Jacobs
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 6:17 PM

    Use that money to add bus lanes to all city routes, add more regular buses at peak times, and open up closed railway lines that link our towns to cities. As much as I like greenways, our country needs infrastructure, not more tourist traps. It would also provide more affordable housing options im neighboring towns along with easier ccommmutes, and more building options. Infrastructure has really affected us during this britexist fiasco, it was the deciding factor in many companies relocation strategies.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute thesaltyurchin
    Favourite thesaltyurchin
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 5:31 PM

    More trains. More track.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute IRL77
    Favourite IRL77
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 4:28 PM

    Make it work properly…..not free!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eugene Conroy
    Favourite Eugene Conroy
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 5:54 PM

    That grand. Fire away

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Don Hogan
    Favourite Don Hogan
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 11:41 AM

    Cheap price all thins considered.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Van-Standen
    Favourite David Van-Standen
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 11:54 PM

    The level of fines Ireland faces on missing emissions targets were originally also put at €600 million per year, these have been supposedly revised down, but the point is even if the fines were €400 million per year, then you would be looking at just €200 million more per year to have free universal public transport, while simultaneously reducing emissions, which doesn’t seem so far-fetched or unobtainable when looked at from that perspective.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Whoswho
    Favourite Whoswho
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 8:42 PM

    Forget about being free. Just provide a good service!! The TFI is a disgrace. They have raised their prices and cut services

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Mulligan
    Favourite John Mulligan
    Report
    Feb 17th 2019, 7:54 AM

    Why would anyone even think that a transport solution in Luxembourg would be appropriate for Ireland? Luxembourg is a small place that is easy to service, without the scattered population of rural ireland.
    Unless Richard boiled carrot is just talking about Dublin.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Healy
    Favourite Chris Healy
    Report
    Feb 17th 2019, 8:37 AM

    @John Mulligan: People do it all the time. Cherry pick the area within Europe (or without) that best matches what they want while ignoring the glaring issues or differences.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Healy
    Favourite Chris Healy
    Report
    Feb 17th 2019, 8:35 AM

    Outside my window, looking at a well-worn commuter pathway I see a free sidewalk and free bike lane, neither of which get much use. Beside them I see the road, which considering the cost of petrol and parking, is most definitely not free. Yet it is always busy. Making the bus and trains free will not magically cure the traffic issue. If anything it will just make it worse since the biggest problem I see with public transport (at least in Dublin and the commuter belt including parts of the surrounding counties) is capacity and coverage. Both of which would suffer if more of the transport budget went to subsidising the already existing network.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karl Lee
    Favourite Karl Lee
    Report
    Feb 17th 2019, 11:57 AM

    A nice big car park either side of city with a very regular bus system to discourage people taking their cars into the city and paying stupid 24/7 parking fees.
    I think €600 million would cover that!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fergieff
    Favourite Fergieff
    Report
    Feb 17th 2019, 12:43 AM

    Why would we want to pay any extra when the gob*hites in Dublin are happy to subsidize transport in Ireland

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken Barlow
    Favourite Ken Barlow
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 5:38 PM

    Ah now We can’t afford that, but the private banks on the other hand, sure lets spread the cost of that over generations to come

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute oppenheimersghost
    Favourite oppenheimersghost
    Report
    Feb 16th 2019, 7:50 PM

    Its not free though is it?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cormac McKay Dublin
    Favourite Cormac McKay Dublin
    Report
    Feb 17th 2019, 12:28 AM

    We don’t seem to learn any lessons from the Projects such as the children’s hospital, Metro North and all the other failed expensive state projects, it’s too long a list MetroLink and Busconnects are obsolete destructive primitive outdated overpriced projects that should be cancelled we should not be investing in 20th century transport infrastructure for private companies, these will turn out a costly white elephants and the taxpayer will be left with the bill.

    Please stop advocating for these primitive project’s! If you don’t know the future of transport and public transit will be self-driving SHARED electric vehicles, there’s no if or buts about this, it’s going to happen it’s already happening in Phoenix Arizona,
    Car ownership itself is dead, most young people don’t want to drive never mind own the liability of owning a car and nor can they afford one due to high insurance and the extortionate rents they have to pay on accommodation! the future will be shared all the car companies are changing there business model to this.

    Dublin was once first with cutting edge transport infrastructure it was the Dublin to DunLaoghaire railway the first suburban railway in the world it was supposed to be a canal but visionaries went for rail

    We should be first again and invest in real future proof 21st century transport infrastructure solutions

    Like Elon Musk’s Loop system unveiled last December in LA please see video below.

    The Boring company is breaking ground soon on the Chicago Loop project, downtown to O’Hara international airport, the same distance as Dundrum to the airport this will be built for only $1 billion and will do the journey in 12mins, compared to our 20th century rail link for €3 billion by 2027 the proposed opening of MetroLink transport technology is going to so advanced Ireland will be a laughing stock for investing in primitive outdated rail infrastructure!

    Please abandon MetroLink and promote real 21st century transport [The Dublin Loop]

    https://youtu.be/nSIzsMlwMUY

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds