Free up fares to make life fairer

Sir — From this summer, public transport will be free in Luxembourg and this initiative is something city planners in Dublin should also consider.

Our capital city is bursting at the seams and gridlock is a daily frustration for commuters. Free public transport would cut congestion, benefit the environment and, most importantly, it would be a progressive, socially inclusive measure that would help low-paid workers and young people with little disposable incomes as a result of spiralling rents and bloated mortgages.

For those concerned that free public transport will inflict an unaffordable charge on the Exchequer, it is worth noting that public transport in Dublin is already heavily subsidised.

In 1999, the Government introduced the Taxsaver scheme, which incentivises people to use public transport to and from work, and, in some cases, results in savings of over 50pc of the regular price.

By going the whole way and abolishing ticket charges, the Government would help tackle air pollution and get Dublin moving more freely.

Surely this is a worthwhile investment in our city’s future?

Denise McMorrow, Drumcondra, Dublin 3