The Green Party has condemned the Government's decision to increase public transport fares, arguing it runs counter to efforts to ease congestion and cut emissions while household budgets are under pressure.

Green Party Spokesperson for Transport, Councillor Feljin Jose said: "With motorways full and congestion at record levels, we should be encouraging more people to use public transport, expanding services and reducing car usage. Instead, this government has decided to make it more expensive to do the right thing in the midst of a cost of living crisis. This decision will cost us far more in congestion and emissions than it will raise in revenue." He added: "In 2022, we brought in the first fare reduction in Ireland since 1947 with half price fares for students and young people and a 20% reduction for everyone. This drove historic growth that saw record levels of public transport usage across all operators. This is now being jeopardised by the government's decision to make it more expensive."

Green Party Leader Roderic O'Gorman TD stated: "To raise public transport fares by 15% in the middle of a cost of living crisis is a slap in the face to everyone who uses the bus, train, Luas or DART. These commuters see the hundreds of millions that the Government has spent over the summer protecting some sectors from inflation costs, yet they are expected to pay out more, every day, every journey. This decision shows this Government's priorities - and bus and rail passengers are at the bottom of the list".

According to the National Transport Authority (NTA), there were 363.5 million public transport journeys in 2025, up from 343.6 million in 2024 and 290 million in 2019. The 20% PSO fare reduction and the Young Adult Leap Card were introduced in 2022.