Translink launch public consultation as new proposals are brought forward on fare and services changes
Translink have announced proposals which could see bus and rail service discounts for young people being reduced.
Released on Wednesday (July 8), the proposals would also see all bus and rail services after 10pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays being withdrawn.
The only exceptional services not removed would be the 212 Belfast- Londonderry, X1, X2, X3, X4, 300 Airport and 600 Airport services, given that these are operating with “significant demand and revenue”.
Translink say the proposals have been brought forward due to public transport “facing significant financial pressures”, which have been driven by “rising costs and a reduction in funding in real terms”.
Back in April, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced that Translink fares would be frozen for the second year in a row, with Translink chief Chris Conway outlining how five fair freezes over almost a decade had cost the transport operator “over £20m of revenue”.
Proposals to fare discounts include: reduction of yLink discount from 50% to 33% and the removal of Off-Peak Day Return fares on Bus and Rail (Adult and Child).
Furthermore, there would be an increase to promotional fare types: family and friends (£24 to £26), Metro family ticket (£10 to £12), bus rambler (£10 to £12), and Sunday day tracker (Rail) (£10 to £12).
Customers who board without a valid ticket will be able to purchase single tickets only onboard.
The public consultation is open until September 30, with Translink saying the consultation allows “passengers, stakeholders and the wider public to share their views on the potential impacts of these proposals”.