The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is today, Thursday 19 October, announcing a simplification of the rail fares across Northern Ireland to "ensure consistent and fairer pricing for people using the rail network".
A spokesperson for the DfI said:
"Following many years of fare disparity, from 6 November, Translink will be simplifying its rail fare pricing structures to more accurately reflect the mileage travelled.
"The aim of this adjustment will be to simplify the rail fare structure to provide a more equitable, fairer and more consistent pricing structure for passengers across the network.
"This process will impact on the cost of some fares, with any increase on an adult single fare capped at £1.50. The iLink fares will not increase anywhere across the network and this may prove to be the best ticketing option for many passengers.
"With a challenging budget allocation this year, the Department and its Arms-Length Bodies including Translink have had to consider new revenue raising measures to deliver public services.
"Translink will continue to offer a range of good value fares and we would encourage users of public transport to look for the best value options available. People are also encouraged to reduce carbon emissions by walking, wheeling or cycling or using public transport, rather than private vehicles, to help address the climate emergency."
Commenting on today's announcement Translink’s Director of Commercial Operations David Cowan said:
“We have carefully carried out this review and worked hard to keep any increases to a minimum. Typical increases will be around 50p on a standard adult single fare.
“We understand for some, this will be unwelcome news; previously our funding levels allowed us to support these inconsistent fares across the network, however with reduced funding levels we have had to make these adjustments, given the pressures on Translink finances.
“We are very mindful of the need to keep public transport attractive and affordable. We will maintain a range of good value fare deals with iLink offering unlimited travel within key zones across NI. In addition, we have maintained the free access to our yLink card for 16–23-year-olds offering 50% discount – we are seeing rapid growth in the uptake of this card as more young people choose public transport as their preferred travel mode”.
“We urge all our passengers to check before travelling to get the best value fare deal for their journey. We will work with all our stakeholders to promote these and remain confident that bus and train travel is still competitively priced, particularly given the rising cost of fuel. It is also the heathier, smarter and cleaner travel choice for a better-connected society”, David concluded.
The best fare deals can be found on online at Tickets and Travel Cards (translink.co.uk), by calling the Translink contact centre on 028 90 66 66 30 or by visiting the local bus or train station for advice.