People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin has said there is anger after Translink announced a fare hike in the middle of a cost of living crisis.
Said the Foyleside councillor: “People Before Profit call on the DfI Minister and Translink to rethink plans to hike bus and rail fares by as much as 10%.
“This decision comes at a time when households are already grappling with an unprecedented cost of living crisis, making the need for affordable public transport more critical than ever.
“The fare hike not only places additional financial strain on our communities but also undermines efforts to make public transport a more accessible and viable option for all.
“Tory austerity and economic mismanagement has created a situation of financial struggle for the majority of people in the North.
“The Stormont Executive have done little to fight against the vicious policies of the Westminster government, instead they have blithely implemented their policies in the North.
“We reiterate our call on the DfI to immediately restore the £15 million+ fuel duty rebate.
“Translink is the only public transport service in these islands that doesn’t have the cost of its fuel duty returned to them. This would avoid the need for higher prices.
“It is essential that we prioritise the needs of our citizens, ensuring that mobility is not a luxury but a right.
“We welcomed Translink’s for introduction of an electric fleet of buses in Derry
“A sign of building sustainable progress in public transport, yet this latest fare increase casts a shadow over these positive strides.
“The climate crisis remains our major concern, and the transition towards eco-friendly transportation options was a step in the right direction.
“However, the benefits of such initiatives are overshadowed when accessibility is compromised due to prohibitive costs.
“We stand at a pivotal moment in our fight against climate change, and public transport is a key player in this battle.
“It is imperative that we work towards a system where public transport is not only environmentally sustainable but also financially sustainable for its users.
“The vision for the future must include a move towards investment in a system of free public transport for all, eliminating the barriers that prevent many from choosing greener travel options.”
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