Kildare South Fine Gael TD and Minister of State Martin Heydon has said that the confirmation from the NTA this week that the introduction of fairer fares for Kildare South commuters is now delayed is unacceptable. He was speaking after the NTA confirmed the introduction of the Dublin Commuter Zone for those travelling by train from Newbridge and Kildare town and resultant reductions train fares was unlikely to implemented until early 2025.
“Commuters from Newbridge and other parts of South Kildare including Kildare town have been fighting for years to be included in the current short hop zone. Following this long battle, we were all delighted in April 2023 when the NTA confirmed the introduction of a new Dublin Commuter Zone which would replace the short hop zone and included Newbridge and Kildare town.
“In January 2024, the NTA confirmed the fare structure for the new Dublin Commuter zone highlighting significant reductions of 45% for those travelling from Newbridge to Dublin and 37% for commuters from Kildare town. There was frustration that although these fare reductions had been announced, they would not be implemented until Quarter 3 of 2024 as the leap card validators at the two stations needed to be upgraded.
“There was dismay this week, when nearly by accident, both public representatives and the travelling public found out that this timeline was now further delayed due to technical challenges arising with contractors employed by Irish Rail. The current estimated timeline is Quarter 1 of 2025 which in my opinion is totally unacceptable for commuters who have already waited long enough.
“I have raised my concerns with the NTA and the Minister for Transport to push for a solution to avoid this delay. The commuters of Kildare South deserve better than this and I will continue to fight to see what alternatives are available.
“The inclusion of Newbridge and Kildare town in the new Dublin Commuter zone was a big win and recognition of the work of so many to provide more Kildare commuters with fairer fares. The fight now starts again to ensure that those fairer fares are introduced on the ground as soon as possible”, concluded Minister Heydon.