Lower transport fares for children
THE planned introduction of lower child fares for public transport in Sligo has been welcomed by Sinn Fein Councillor Thomas Healy who has been campaigning on the issue.
“I was astounded to discover that children in Sligo have to pay a full adult fare whilst children in Dublin pay a child fare up to the age of 18, this seemed highly discriminatory to me and I have been campaigning on the issue since. Last month I received unanimous support in Sligo County Council for a motion calling for a review this practice.
“I also wrote directly to An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. I was delighted to receive a reply from the N.T.A on behalf of the Taoiseach stating that they would be introducing child fares for 16 -18year olds in Sligo by the middle of this year.
Children over 16 will now be able to purchase a Student Leap card for €10 which will entitle them to reductions of up to 55% on public transport.
“Initially the savings will only be available on Bus Eireann town services but will extend to all bus and rail services by the middle of this year,” said Cllr Healy,