Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Government's policy of excluding commercial bus operators from the 20% reduction in public transport fares and from the youth travel card scheme is having a detrimental impact on the sector. If you live in an urban area you will get a 20% discount on your bus fares and use your youth travel card. If you do not live on a Bus Éireann route you will pay full fares. Rural passengers are being penalised in their pocket which is adding to their cost of living crisis. It is wrong, unreasonable, inequitable and unfair. School transport providers stated last week that increased fuel costs have made their businesses unviable. They cannot guarantee the continued provision of school transport up to June. Further disruption to schools must be avoided. Will the Government consider a temporary VAT reduction for transport operators similar to that introduced for the hospitality sector?

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