The National Transport Authority (NTA) have announced a series of changes to the national fare structure for Public Service Obligation (PSO) services across Ireland, including services on Dublin’s Luas network. The new structure will be introduced from January 2027 and will see increases in adult fares by an average of 15%, although this still represents a reduction in the cost of travel when compared to eight years ago.
The revised structure is the first broad adjustment to PSO fares since 2018 and is part of the NTA’s National Fare Strategy. This will support the continued expansion and improvement of public transport services while also protecting affordable access for passengers.
Back in 2022, the Irish government supported the reduction of public transport fares and this does mean that although adult fares will be going up by an average of 15% they will still be approximately 8% lower than they were in 2018. And this is also below cumulative inflation which has increased by 20.8% since 2022.
Anne Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of the NTA, said: “Our priority is to deliver the best possible public transport system for passengers. Demand is at record levels and people rightly expect more frequent, reliable and better-connected services. This is the first general increase in PSO fares in eight years and is an important step in supporting continued investment in expanded services, increased capacity and enhanced connectivity across the country. At the same time, almost 1.5 million people will continue to benefit from free travel or fare concessions, including children under nine, people aged 66 and over, and those eligible under the Free Travel Scheme, while the 50% Young Adult and Student Discount is being maintained. These changes strike a careful balance between keeping public transport affordable and ensuring we can continue building a larger, more accessible and better-connected network for communities across Ireland.”
The changes will be fully communicated in a campaign ahead of January 2027 but the headlines for Luas are that cash/leap fares and products for adults will increase by an average of 15%. The short fare will rise by 33% to 2 euros.
Many child fares will be reduced and free travel for children up until their ninth birthday, for people aged 66 and over, and for others who qualify under the Free Travel Scheme will be retained. The 50% young adult and student discount is also protected under the review.
The revised fare structure is intended to maintain an appropriate balance between passenger fares and State investment while ensuring continued investment in public transport services, capacity, connectivity and reliability. Currently fare revenue only covers 38% of operating costs for public transport, which is at the lower end of the European average. In 2026 the Irish Government provided a record 940million euros in funding towards the operation of PSO services.
From 2027 onwards the NTA will review fares annually to ensure they remain aligned with operating costs, investment requirements and affordability objectives.