Translink has announced that it is to hold bus and rail fares across all of its services at last year’s levels.
The announcement follows the presentation of the organisation’s business plan and its underlying assumptions to the Regional Development Committee.
The public transport provider which operates Metro, Ulsterbus, Goldline, Northern Ireland Railways and the Enterprise services says that it hopes the freeze on fares will help people budget in these difficult economic times.
“Every household in Northern Ireland is feeling the effects of increasing costs across many essential items and services from food to fuel. Our decision not to have an annual fare change will no doubt be appreciated by our existing customers,” said Catherine Mason, Translink Group Chief Executive.
“By freezing our fares at last year’s levels, we also hope more people will choose the bus and train as the better travel option.
“A recent survey shows that the cost of running a car has increased dramatically by 21% in the last year; we want more people to understand that public transport offers them a real value for money travel solution.”
The company says that it has been able to hold fare levels until next year, based on current financial assumptions, by reducing and cutting out costs, being more efficient across all its business areas and focusing on areas that are performing well.
“We have worked hard to keep our costs under control and to continuously improve efficiency. By doing this we are able to offer our customers the best value possible while continuing to deliver an attractive and sustainable public transport service,” said Catherine Mason.
