A local TD has called on the National Transport Authority to urgently review recent fare increases on the Cavan to Dublin bus route.
Brendan Smith is highlighting the need to ensure fair treatment for all commuters, noting some fare increases of almost 50%, particularly for cash paying customers.
He cited some commuters who have recently seen their daily return fare from Cavan to Dublin rise from €18.50 to €27.30.
Deputy Smith has raised his concerns that people using cash to buy bus tickets are being unduly penalised because they are not using the modern Leap Card fare system.
Recently, the Fianna Fail man raised the issue, directly with the Minister of State for Transport in Dáil Éireann, outlining local concerns and calling for urgent action to reduce the fares.
Speaking to Northern Sound Deputy Smith said people shouldn't be at a disadvantage for not using technology.
"I would think that it would be a big part of the thinking of the National Transport Authority and Bus Eireann to reduce the use of cash. In regard to using technology, which is beneficial, but at the same time, the people who may not want to use technology, who don't feel confident using technology, who may not have the skills and the knowledge to be confident in using technology, they should not be penalised and disadvantaged so much. By using the traditional system of buying and selling in this country, and we're talking in this instance of purchasing tickets, they should be not disadvantaged and penalised."
