Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin is perfectly aware that there are implications not only in the cost of the free fares but also by way of additional carriage on the system. We have provided for that in our budget by identifying €31 million for free fares and an additional €50 million for the PSO. That is an acknowledgement that one not only needs enhanced capacity for carriage, but that even aside from children, there is a need to expand the number of routes and the coverage provided by Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, the Luas and so on. There has been a lot of discussion around this. It is important from a climate point of view and an economic one. One aspect of climate policy which the public grasps instinctively is that the number of journeys we take by car is unsustainable. Our proposal would not only make public transport more affordable for families, it would also be habit-forming. It would mean that by 18 years of age, people would be in the habit of taking public transport. In the long run, fares for those aged over 18 years should also be reduced. This proposal represents very good value for money. It would have a real impact on reducing the level of school traffic and traffic generally and foster good public transport habits.

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