Bus and rail fares in Northern Ireland are set to rise from next month.
The price increase will affect most fares across Metro, NI Railways and Ulsterbus services, the transport operator said.
Translink said the increase will take effect from Monday 3 June.
For most passengers, fares will increase by 6% on bus and 10% on rail.
In real terms this means most Metro/Glider singles will increase by 10p, most Ulsterbus and Goldliner singles will increase between 10p and 50p depending on distance and most rail singles will increase between £20p and £1.50 depending on distance.
This decision does not affect cross-border coach and rail fares.
The Consumer Council criticized Translink’s decision to increase prices.
“Today’s announcement that Translink will increase its average fares by 6% for buses and 10% for rail is a blow to public transport users,” said the organisation’s Peter McClenaghan.
“This revision comes on the back of an average 7% fare increase across all Translink services in March 2023 and rail fare increases in November 2023.
“It will disproportionately affect low-income commuters who have no other travel option than public transport and who are already struggling with an ongoing cost of living crisis.”
McClenaghan said he understood the impact of the cost of living crisis and lack of government funding on the running of public transport in Northern Ireland, but argued the company could do more to support consumers.
“Government funding for public transport in Northern Ireland must be adequate to maintain at least the current level of service, but also fund incentives to increase ridership where possible,” he added.
“This fare increase contrasts with initiatives elsewhere, such as the £2 bus fare cap in England and the 20 per cent passenger discount (ROI) in the Republic of Ireland, which recognize the societal and environmental benefits of public transport.
“This increase to Translink could limit the growth in the number of people using public transport and be at odds with the Government’s policy to increase the number of people using public transport.”
The Consumer Council also proposed moves to increase Belfast’s flat rate for buses to make it easier for passengers, which could inadvertently lead to “some above-average price increases for some ticket types”.
“We are therefore calling on Translink to introduce solutions to offset this price increase as soon as possible, such as a weekly limit on contactless payments, to help resolve this issue,” he added.
To help combat price rises, Translink has urged customers to take advantage of its range of everyday value, discounted tickets and affordable promotional fares.
Passengers are also encouraged to use contactless, mLink and multi-trip products to get the best deal.
The company said the 25% discount would continue to be available on off-peak journeys after 9.30am on rail and local Ulsterbus services.
Its iLink cards also offer unlimited travel for different zones across the bus and train network.
Ian Campbell, chief operating officer of Translink, said many discounts were still available for passengers.
“We are keeping the 50% discount along with free access to the yLink card for everyone aged 16 to 23,” he said.
“With over 60% more yLink journeys made in the last year, this special offer is helping many more young people travel by bus and train and make their money go further.
“We have also taken the opportunity to simplify Smartlink tariffs for Metro/Glider to make it easier for our customers. With Smartlink, passengers simply pay a £2 fare on any standard adult journey, saving most people more than 10% compared to paying in cash. DayLink, mLink and contactless day tickets will also move to £4.00 for all-day travel.”
Campbell said Translink would continue to work to make public transport an affordable option for commuters.
“We remain convinced that bus and train travel is still the most attractive and cost-effective travel option, especially when compared to the rising costs of private motoring,” he added.
“Combined with the many wider health and wellbeing benefits of sustainable travel, it’s also an easy way we can all do our part to tackle the climate crisis and improve air quality for a better-connected society for all.”