Government must scrap fare hikes and deliver free public transport for under-18s

In a statement provided by the TD she said, "The Government must immediately scrap the planned public transport fare hikes.

"Workers and families in Longford and Westmeath are already under enormous pressure from the rising cost of living. The last thing they need is for the Government to make it more expensive to get to work, school, college or other essential services. Yet that is exactly what this Government is pressing ahead with.

“Instead of prioritising pay rises for public transport CEOs, they should put ordinary workers and families first and scrap these price hikes.

"Simon Harris says he wants a budget for people who get up early. These are the very people who face long commutes every day, who are already struggling with rising household bills and living costs. Now the Government expects them to pay.

"These fare hikes are a slap in the face to ordinary workers, students, pensioners and families. What is even more frustrating is that while commuters are being asked to pay more, millions of euros are being squandered through waste, overruns and failed projects. Time and again, the public is left picking up the tab for poor decisions, while accountability is nowhere to be found.

"The Government claims it wants more people using public transport, but its actions tell a different story. Increasing fares while asking people to leave their cars at home makes no sense. It sends entirely the wrong signal at a time when households are looking for relief from soaring costs.

“Only yesterday students travelling from Mullingar to Athlone for college were left stranded at bus stops because services were full.

“And this is not an isolated experience, it is something that has been happening right across Longford-Westmeath. It is completely unacceptable. At peak times, particularly in the mornings, there is a clear need to increase capacity on these services. I have raised my concerns with Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority and will continue to do so until a practical solution has been put in place.

"Sinn Féin is offering a better alternative. Our motion calls for these fare hikes to be scrapped, to invest in more services and for free public transport to be introduced for all under-18s.

"No child should miss out on opportunities because of the cost of travel. Free public transport for young people would help families with the cost of living, encourage public transport use and make our transport system more accessible for everyone.

"This comes down to political choices. The Government can make workers and families pay more, or it can choose to support commuters and invest in affordable public transport. Sinn Féin believes the choice is clear."