SDLP calls for review of cross-border rail fares | Newry News
The SDLP is urging the Executive to implement a review of cross-border rail fares to bring them in line with pricing in the South.
SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has been highlighting the differences in the price of fares from Newry and Dundalk to Belfast.
The SDLP Opposition brought a motion before the Assembly on Tuesday calling on the Infrastructure Minister to work with the Economy and Finance Ministers to undertake a feasibility assessment of a unified fare structure on cross-border rail services.
Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty says, “It’s ridiculous that we currently have a situation where people in Newry are expected to pay more than double the fare for a journey to Belfast than those living just a few miles over the border in Dundalk.
“The fact that people in Newry are paying higher fares for shorter journeys is both unfair and inconsistent with the Executive’s commitment to boost the number of people using public transport.
“We have seen similar price discrepancies for passengers travelling between Dublin and Belfast, and people who regularly use these services are right to feel aggrieved at this inequitable inconsistency in cost.
“This is a small island and wherever possible we should be working together on areas such as cross-border public transport to make it a more attractive and affordable option for people.
“In government, the SDLP recognised the importance of addressing rail travel on an all-island basis and worked with counterparts in the Irish Government to introduce the All Island Rail Review.
“The Executive has paid much lip service to the need to get more people using public transport, they have celebrated the benefits it will bring for our economy, connectivity, and dealing with the climate crisis, but we need the Executive to take the necessary steps to actually make rail services a viable option for people in their everyday lives.
He adds, “We are urging Ministers to recognise the potential of the All Island Rail Review to change how people travel right across this island, but first we must make sure that fares are affordable and people in the North aren’t expected to pay significantly more than those in the South for similar journeys.”
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Posted by NewryTimes News
on Dec 10 2024. Filed under Community, Politics.
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