Half price public transport extended to 24 and 25-year-olds

24 and 25-yearolds can now avail of 50% discounted fares on public transport.

This latest expansion of discounts for Young Adult card holders came into effect on Thursday, January 11, as confirmed by Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, James O'Connor TD.

“It is hugely welcome that 24-and 25-year-olds can now travel half price,” Deputy O’Connor said.

“An increasing number of young people are choosing to travel by public transport to get to and from college, training, work and meeting friends. This must be encouraged and Fianna Fáil is committed to making it easier and more cost-efficient for people to use public transport.

"But we also need to make sure that capacity is increased also to keep up with increased demand, because at present many local buses in Cork are at full capacity at peak times,” he added.

Those aged between 18 and 25 years and fulltime third-level students aged 16 and above can now travel at half price on all public transport and participating commercial bus operator services, making Ireland one of the best value countries in Europe regarding public transport for young people.

The extension that has now come into effect was initially announced under the expansion of the commuter discount scheme in Budget 2024 by Deputy O'Connor's party colleague, Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath.

"Thanks to the effective management of the public finances, we have been able to extend the 50% discount for holders of Young Adult cards up to a person’s 26th birthday. This extension is also in addition to the retention for 2024 of the existing 20% discount for all passengers, first introduced in 2022.

“Fianna Fáil in government is committed to reducing costs and improving access to public transport for all and I will continue to work to improve connectivity and affordability for public transport users,” Deputy O’Connor added.

€1,000 was recently raised for the Irish Cancer Society, as Margaret Hally, Fermoy, sold packs of her own Christmas cards at various outlets locally. Thanking Agnes and Kathleen in Carma and Gill and Mary in Beauty FX, who sold them in their shops, Margaret also sold them in a craft fair in Donoughmore (where she originally comes from). “It is especially going to the Daffodil nurses as they were so kind and great to us last year when my dad was on his way to see my mum in heaven,” Margaret said. “So again, thank you all so much.”