Newbridge And Kildare Town Commuters Face Year-Long Wait For Promised Fare Cuts Due To "Technical Issues"

Tuesday, 9 July 2024 12:32

By Martin Osborne

Prices were expected to drop by 45% for Newbridge commuters and 37% for Kildare Town commuters when proposed Leap Card savings were implemented.

The much-anticipated fare reductions for commuters from Newbridge and Kildare Town have been delayed until next year.

The fare reductions were part of the initial phase of the National Transport Authority’s (NTA’s) National Fare Strategy.

The strategy aims to replace the short hop zone with a new Dublin Commuter Zone that includes Newbridge and Kildare Town stations.

Commuters travelling from the Dublin Commuter Zone to Dublin city centre expected some of the largest reductions in fares under the new strategy.

Prices were expected to drop by 45% for Newbridge commuters and 37% for Kildare Town commuters when proposed Leap Card savings were implemented.

For example, a journey from Newbridge to Dublin Heuston, currently costing €10.85, will drop to €6 once Leap Cards are available.

Similarly, a single adult fare from Kildare Town, currently €11.95, will drop to €7.50, a 37% reduction.

Originally scheduled to take effect in the third quarter of 2024, the new system is now pushed back to the first quarter of 2025 due to "significant technical challenges", according to Cllr Chris Pender.

He said he is "disgusted" by the delay.

"The residents of Newbridge and Kildare Town have waited long enough for the promised fare reductions and improved transport equity. The delays show a clear failure to deliver on these promises.”

He has called for an immediate reduction in fares starting September 2024, regardless of the implementation of Leap Card machines or other technical specifications.

“Our community deserves better, and we will not stand for these continued setbacks," he said.

He has reached out to the NTA and TFI to seek clarity on this issue.

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