LIMERICK’S young adults could save up to €3,000 a year on public transport because of the half price fares initiative introduced for people between the ages of 19 and 23 earlier this week.
That’s according to Limerick TD and Green Party Transport Spokesman Brian Leddin who said that increasing mobility and opportunities for young people is vitally important, and the 50 per cent fare cut is a measure that offers practical help.
“The Green Party want to make it more attractive and easier for people to use public transport and to develop a habit of a lifetime. Choosing public transport can help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut down the congestion,” he explained.
“With the additional 20 per cent fare reduction on all public transport already announced as part of the government’s cost of living supports, this means that public transport costs for young adults will actually be 60 per cent cheaper until the end of this year.
“While the 20 per cent reduction on all fares will run to the end of the year, the 50 per cent reduction for 19 to 23 year olds is permanent and the yearly savings for young people could be significant.
“From Monday, city fares in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, were reduced to 0.65 cent single on the Young Adult Leap Card. This is 73 per cent less than a standard adult cash single. A young person taking the bus to work, education or for leisure purposes in any of the regional cities, travelling five days a week, will save €3.50 a day, €17.50 a week and €540 to the end of the year.
“For holders of a current Student Leap Card, no action is required. They simply pay for their journey by Leap, and the reduced fare is deducted from their card. Non-student young adults looking to avail of the lower fares will need to apply for a Young Adult Leap Card,” Deputy Leddin added.
