Why are campaigners angry about new public transport fares?
Summary
The Hard Shoulder discusses the NTA's planned 15% public transport fare hike for 2027, which campaigners argue will reverse recent gains in ridership. Lachlan Gallagher of the Dublin Commuter Coalition warns that the increase could reduce daily journeys by 4.5%, causing severe congestion. He criticizes the government for subsidizing fossil fuels while raising transit costs, urging them to redirect €1.2 billion in annual fuel savings toward electrifying railways and expanding bus networks instead.
Topics discussed
Show introduction and host welcome
NTA fare hike announcement and rising public transport use
Introduction of Lachlan Gallagher and initial reaction
Trends in public transport usage and the role of cost
Impact of fare increases on ridership and congestion
Discussion on fuel excise and fossil fuel subsidies
Critique of subsidizing oil while raising transit fares
Proposal to redirect funding to permanent infrastructure
Benefits of electrification and insulation from oil shocks
Contextualizing funding with major infrastructure projects
Call to stop fare hikes and reassess capital investment
Personal impact on commuters and need for rail and bus expansion
Closing remarks and summary of key points
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