COMMUTERS paying cash fares on bus, rail and Luas will be hit with hikes of up to 13pc on some services.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has approved a range of increases across all public transport operators, which will hit commuters already reeling from a series of hikes in recent years.

The changes also affect monthly and annual ticket holders.

But the NTA said that customers who switched to the Leap travel card would secure better value, as increases are not as pronounced if using the pre-paid ticket.

The authority has also announced a second journey discount on Dublin Bus to take effect by the end of the year, to be extended to all operators after.

A lower fare will apply when a second trip is taken within 90 minutes of the first.

“With over 750,000 Leap Cards now in circulation and almost €2m per week used in travel credit, the Leap Card has clearly been welcomed by the travelling public – both for the convenience and for the value it offers,” chief executive Gerry Murphy said.

“Even with the fares increases announced today – a Leap Card fare in 2015 will nearly always be the same as or lower than a cash fare was in 2012.”

On Irish Rail, short-hop trips will increase by 8pc, with inter-city fares also due to increase. An adult single cash fare increases from €1.50 to €1.70 -

On Dublin Bus, the current €1.80 fare rises to €1.95, the €2.35 fare increases to €2.55, the €2.60 to €2.80 and €3.05 to €3.30.

Child and Leap fares rise between five and 10 cents each.

Regional city bus services offered by Bus Eireann increase by 10c, but fall for longer journeys. There are also hikes for services between urban areas.

On Luas, off-peak cash fares are increased, as are all-day adult tickets.

The changes to the monthly and annual ticket fares across the CIE Group of Companies – Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann and Irish Rail – may take effect from November 1.

Increases to cash fares can take effect from December 1.

Online Editors