Translink fares frozen for second year as Minister cites pressure on families amid rising fuel costs

Public transport fares across Northern Ireland will remain unchanged for a second consecutive year, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed, in a move aimed at easing pressure on households already grappling with rising fuel and living costs.

The decision means passengers using Translink’s bus and rail services will see no increase in ticket prices, despite what the Minister described as significant financial pressures facing both the transport operator and the wider public sector.

The announcement comes at a time when many workers, students and families continue to rely heavily on public transport for daily journeys to work, education and essential services, while motorists are also contending with increasing petrol and diesel prices.

Minister says fare freeze offers certainty for commuters

Confirming the decision, Minister Kimmins said the current economic climate made any fare rise difficult to justify.

“In the current context of rising fuel and oil prices, I do not believe it would be right to increase public transport fares and place further pressure on workers and families. Many people rely on buses and trains every day and keeping fares stable helps provide some certainty at a very challenging time.”

The move is likely to be welcomed by commuters across Northern Ireland, particularly as broader household costs continue to remain under strain.

By holding fares at current levels for a second year running, the Department for Infrastructure is seeking to protect affordability at a time when transport costs remain a significant part of monthly household spending.

Decision taken despite severe budget pressures

The Minister made clear that the fare freeze has been agreed against an exceptionally difficult financial backdrop.

“I am fully aware of the financial pressures facing Translink and the wider public sector. This is an extremely constrained budget environment and there are no easy choices. Freezing fares for a second year has required careful consideration.”

The acknowledgement underlines the balancing act facing Stormont departments as they seek to maintain frontline services while operating within tight budget settlements.

For Translink, which continues to face operational and infrastructure costs, the decision means absorbing ongoing financial pressures without passing additional costs directly on to passengers.

Growing passenger demand highlighted

Minister Kimmins also pointed to rising passenger numbers as evidence of strong demand for public transport services and said maintaining current fares would help sustain that growth.

“Public transport remains a key part of our economy and our communities with growing passenger numbers showing strong demand. Holding fares at current levels supports that momentum, while recognising the very real cost pressures people are facing elsewhere. I hope this decision will make public transport an affordable commuting option especially as petrol and diesel prices continue to rise.”

The remarks signal a wider policy focus on encouraging continued use of buses and trains, particularly as transport costs by car continue to increase.

For commuters in towns and cities across Northern Ireland, including those travelling daily for work or study, the freeze is expected to offer short-term financial reassurance.

Ongoing engagement with Translink

While fares will remain unchanged for now, the Minister indicated that discussions with Translink will continue as financial pressures evolve.

“I will keep working with Translink to manage these pressures responsibly and to ensure the best possible services within the funding available.”

That suggests further decisions around service delivery and future fare policy may depend on how budgetary conditions develop over the coming months.

For now, however, passengers have been given certainty that bus and rail fares will remain at existing levels for another year.

---

At a glance

• Translink fares will remain unchanged for a second consecutive year

• Decision confirmed by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins

• Fare freeze comes amid rising fuel and household living costs

• Minister said it would be wrong to add pressure on workers and families

• Decision taken despite significant financial pressures on Translink

• Stormont budget described as “extremely constrained”

• Growing passenger numbers cited as a key factor

• Minister says public transport must remain affordable as fuel prices rise

• Ongoing engagement with Translink to manage financial pressures