Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell has welcomed the announcement from Ministers Varadkar and Kelly of cheaper public transport fares for those 18 and under using the Leap card system.
“With up to 90% of children now staying in full-time education to complete the Leaving Certificate, it is important that this is reflected in how we charge them on their journey to and from school. Lower transport fares for those who are 18 and under will promote greater use of public transport and will make it more affordable to those who are still in education.”
“Following a campaign from YFG, those who are 16, 17 and 18 will be eligible to get child fares on Dublin Bus, Irish Rail and within Dublin’s Short Hop Zone and on the Luas from August. 16 to 18 year olds will have to register for personalised Leap cards online at www.leapcard.ie in order to avail of these cheaper fares, and by doing this, they will benefit from the lower ‘Schoolchild’ fares which come into effect during the school terms.”
“This is a beneficial development, especially in regard to the North County given that we are the youngest area, in terms of population, in the state.
“I also welcome the extension of free public transport for the very young by a year. Free public transport will now be applicable to all children up to their fourth birthday. This is a great initiative from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport which will work to make public transport more accessible and appealing to students in Dublin. I am glad to see that this will be implemented by August, thus ensuring it will be in force before children return to school in September.
“Reducing the burden on family incomes is a priority for Government, now that we have successfully exited the Troika program. I hope this small gesture will go someway toward alleviating the constant pressures on parents making decisions regarding their children’s education.
“Overall, these measures will make it easier, not only for students, but for families with young and school-age children to use public transport as a viable alternative to the family car on the school route.”