The Government must refuse a bid by CIÉ to increase its fares or people will be turned off using public services, it was claimed today.
The Minister for Transport, Mr Martin Cullen, is examining the company's request for an 8 per cent increase for Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Irish Rail from January 5th next.
Labour Party transport spokeswoman, Ms Roisin Shortall, said direct support for services should be increased so CIÉ was not forced to pass increased costs onto bus and rail commuters.
"If the Government is serious about getting people to shift from private car use to public transport, its aim should be to keep fares at their present level, or indeed reduce them," said Ms Shortall.
Ms Shortall said any increase would in effect be "stealth tax" forced upon the public. "Ireland already has the highest public transport fares in Europe, and as they increase so will the number of people choosing to drive," Ms Shortall claimed.
Mr Cullen is looking at the reasons behind CIÉ's price rise request - which are believed to include rising fuel, insurance and labour costs. A spokesman for the Department of Transport said the Minister was expected to make a decision on the matter before Christmas.
The spokesman admitted the increase would be over the level of inflation if it was passed at 8 per cent. The state company was granted permission to raise fares by 3.2 per cent last year.
If CIÉ is granted the full 8 per cent increase it could mean an increase of up to 32 cent on Dublin Bus routes and a €5.20 rise on rail tickets.
PA