CLLR SLAMS INCREASE IN FIRSTCLASS TRAIN TICKET PRICES

A MACROOM councillor has called for the reversal of an increase in the cost of first-class train tickets for senior citizens.

Councillor Eileen Lynch told The Corkman that a rise in the cost of first-class tickets for seniors was recently brought to her attention by constituents, who noticed that a ticket from Cork to Dublin now costs €10 or €20 (depending on the train) as opposed to a lower previous price.

“Senior citizens have free travel, there is a supplement if you want to go first-class,” Cllr Lynch said, and added: “But if you’re talking ten, twenty euros it’s a lot of money.”

“Particularly at the moment when we’re encouraging people to use more public transport, it’s definitely a deterrent for older people.”

Cllr Lynch said that she can understand why many older people choose to travel first-class as they can be guaranteed their seat and avail of a quieter setting for their journey.

The representative said she has no problem with a supplementary fee being charged for first-class but the current price is too much for senior citizens.

The Macroom councillor has written to Irish Rail’s Oireachtas liaison to ask if the price of firstclass tickets for senior citizens will be reviewed because it is having a “big impact” on the elderly.

Irish Rail told The Corkman that during Covid-19, the price of first-class tickets on all services was reduced.

This reduction was removed on first-class tickets on April 20 last year and on CityGold tickets on January 25. Both removals into account a 20% ticket price reduction introduced in 2022.

“Please note that this is not a Fares Increase – it is a removal of a reduction introduced due to Covid,” Irish Rail said.