From next month, bus and train fares will rise across Northern Ireland.
The price increases will affect most fares on Metro, NI Railways and Ulsterbus services, the transport operator said.
Translink said the increases will come into effect from Monday, June 3.
The majority of passengers will see a fare increase of 6% on buses and 10% on trains.
Specifically, this means that the price of most single Metro/Glider tickets will increase by 10p, most Ulsterbus and Goldliner single tickets will increase by 10p to 50p depending on distance, and most rail single tickets will increase by 20p to £1.50 depending on distance.
This decision has no impact on cross-border bus and train fares.
The Consumer Council has criticized Translink’s decision to increase fares.
“Today’s announcement that Translink will increase its average bus fares by 6% and rail fares by 10% is a blow to public transport users,” said the organisation’s Peter McClenaghan.
“This review comes against the backdrop of a 7% average fare increase for all Translink services in March 2023 and a rail fare increase in November 2023.
“It will particularly affect low-income passengers who have no other travel option than public transport and who are already struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis.”
Mr McClenaghan said he understood the impact of the cost of living crisis and lack of government funding on public transport in Northern Ireland, but stressed the company could do more to support consumers.
“Government funding for public transport in Northern Ireland must be sufficient to maintain at least current service levels, but also fund incentives to increase ridership where possible,” he added.
“This fare increase goes against initiatives elsewhere, such as the £2 cap on bus fares in England and the 20% discount for passengers in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), which recognize the benefits of public transport to society and the environment .
“This Translink increase could limit the growth in the number of people using public transport and conflict with government policy to increase the number of people using public transport.”
The Consumer Council also warned that increasing the standard fare for buses across Belfast to make it easier for passengers could inadvertently lead to “above-average price increases for certain types of tickets”.
“We therefore urge Translink to implement solutions to offset these price increases as soon as possible, such as a weekly cap on contactless payments, to help address this issue,” he added.
To counteract the price increases, Translink has encouraged its customers to take advantage of its range of cheap tickets, discounted tickets and special fares.
Passengers are also encouraged to use contactless, mLink and multi-journey products to get the best deal.
The company said the 25% discount will continue to be available for off-peak journeys after 9.30am on rail and Ulsterbus services.
In addition, the iLink cards allow unlimited travel in various zones of the bus and rail network.
Ian Campbell, Translink’s operations manager, said there were still numerous discounts available for passengers.
“We are maintaining the 50 percent discount along with free access to the yLink card for all 16- to 23-year-olds,” he said.
“With over 60% more yLink journeys taken last year, this special offer enables many more young people to travel by bus and train and get more for their money.
“We have also taken the opportunity to simplify Smartlink tariffs for Metro/Glider to make it easier for our customers. Using Smartlink, passengers pay just £2 for a standard adult trip, which for most people is a saving of over 10% compared to paying in cash. DayLink, mLink and contactless day passes will also increase to £4.00 for all-day journeys.”
Mr Campbell said Translink would continue to work to make public transport an affordable option for commuters.
“We remain convinced that travelling by bus and rail is still the most attractive and cost-effective way to travel, especially compared to the rising costs of private car travel,” he added.
“Combined with the many other health and wellbeing benefits of sustainable travel, it is also a simple way we can all do our part to tackle the climate crisis and improve air quality for a better connected society for all.”