New public transport fare structure announced for 2027

The National Transport Authority has announced a significant update to the national fare structure for Public Service Obligation services, set to take effect in January 2027. This marks the first major adjustment to these fares since 2018 and is a core component of the NTA's National Fare Strategy. The move aims to balance the need for continued investment in expanding network capacity with the necessity of maintaining affordable access for the travelling public.

Under the new arrangements, adult fares will see an average increase of 15%, a figure that remains below the 20.8% cumulative inflation rate recorded since 2022. However, the impact will be mitigated by reductions in many child fares, particularly within regional towns and cities. Crucially, the 50% Young Adult and Student Discount will be preserved, and nearly 1.5 million people—including children under nine and those aged 65 and over—will continue to benefit from free travel or existing concessions.

Anne Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of the NTA, emphasised that the changes are vital for sustaining record-breaking passenger demand and improving service reliability. While fare revenue currently covers only about 38% of operating costs, the State provided a record €940 million in funding in 2026 to support initiatives like BusConnects and the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Programme. Detailed information regarding the specific impacts on individual journeys will be provided through dedicated campaigns ahead of the implementation date, with further details available on the official website.