Translink Fares Frozen Again Amidst Funding Woes

For the second consecutive year, Translink fares will remain frozen. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced the decision, acknowledging the difficult funding environment for the public transport operator.

This decision comes as diesel prices in Northern Ireland have surged by almost 40% since the beginning of the Iran war. While Translink has mitigated some costs through advance diesel purchases and increasing its electric fleet, budgets remain strained.

Minister Kimmins emphasized prioritizing consumers during the current crisis, stating that a fare increase would place further pressure on workers and families. Translink, publicly owned, operates at arm's length from the Department for Infrastructure.

The company required significant support during the pandemic due to drastically reduced passenger numbers. Although passenger levels have largely recovered, Translink has used financial reserves to continue operations. Translink is actively working towards a greener future with an increasing number of zero-emission buses in its fleet.