A fares increase averaging nearly three per cent has been announced by Bus Éireann, to come into force on Monday, January 5th next. An average increase of 2.75 per cent will apply to all single fares.
Discounted and promotional fares will also be increased.
The fare increases, as approved by Government, range up to 9 per cent. The largest increase will be implemented on the flat rate fares on city services in Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway.
A spokesman for Bus Éireann said the need for higher rates arose from continuing increases in operating costs, principally wages and materials. The company had met all pay increases due under the national partnership agreements, amounting to 47 per cent over the last 10 years. It had also invested significantly in upgrading customer facilities, including service frequency, fleet and bus stations.
The company faced continuing cost increases, especially as a result of worsening traffic congestion. This affected services not only in the Greater Dublin area but also in other cities and on long distance routes, the spokesman said.
In conjunction with revised parcel rates from January 5th next, a maximum weight limit of 15 kgs will apply to all parcels accepted for carriage on the services, including cross-Border routes.
Information on revised fares will be available from Bus Éireann travel centres, offices and depots.