Weekend reduction in public transport fares will incentivise use and reduce pollution – Noone

Dublin Senator Catherine Noone has called for a reduced rate of fares to be introduced on weekends for public transport.

Senator Noone, a Fine Gael candidate in Dublin Bay North said: “By reducing fares on weekends, we will be incentivising travel on public transport and by doing encouraging people to leave their cars at home, which in turn will reduce air pollution.

“We must be realistic about our climate responsibilities, however while many people are taking steps in their personal lives to reduce their carbon footprint, we must also recognise that we need to provide some economic incentive to change habits.

“Introducing a reduced weekend rate on DART, Luas and Dublin Bus is one such way we can encourage people to consider public transport as an alternative.

Senator Noone added, “Many cities across Europe have already developed plans to introduce free public transport and some have operated this system for a number of years. The evidence from these cities shows an increase in passengers and a reduction in air pollution. Many more cities in Europe and around the world are planning to implement similar services.

“What I am suggesting is a simple but effective way of changing our transport habits during weekends.”

ENDS