15% public transport fare increase planned for 2027.
Limerick students have criticised the inefficiency of public transport in the region, which they say is more concerning than projected fare increases.
Speaking ahead of Budget 2027 announcements in UL today, some students called for increased services and more timetable options.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has announced a 15% increase in public transport fares. The increase will come into effect from January 2027, applying to all Transport for Ireland (TFI) service networks.
“Limerick needed an increase in budget, and I would mainly suggest a widening of timetables and services. The last bus comes at around 11:45pm, and on Sundays they start way later,” said Business student Talal Murad. “The ticket price for students is good, and I think it should stay the same,” he added.
Business Analytics Masters student Mohamed Ibrahim believes the increase will put undue pressure on students, especially those who travel multiple times a week. “For students who are travelling two ways or even four times a day, it does add a major cost.” He continued: “if they are increasing the fare, I will ask them to increase the frequency of the buses too, because buses from the city are very packed nowadays.”
According to the NTA the fare increase covers approximately 38% of operating costs, which is at the lower end of the European average and is used to cover labour costs.
“I can understand why they might increase it for the bus drivers, but I think they need to find another option,” said Arts student Mihaela Dumitrescu, who is also impacted by fare increase from private providers.
Notwithstanding the 50% cut on student Leap Card rates, the projected increase will still have an effect on students. “I will say they should lower it a bit, because 15% is a lot for students, and they should also increase the bus frequencies,” said Law Masters student Bakare Touruy.