Reduced train fares for Kildare commuters
The National Transport Authority confirmed the introduction of the Dublin Commuter Zone for those travelling from Newbridge and Kildare town and resultant reductions in train fares will be implemented by 28 April.
Fairer fairs for Kildare commuters will come into effect later this month.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the introduction of the Dublin Commuter Zone for those travelling from Newbridge and Kildare town and resultant reductions in train fares will be implemented by 28 April.
Local TD and Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Heydon welcomed the confirmation from the NTA.
“Commuters from Newbridge, and other parts of South Kildare including Kildare town, have been fighting for years to be included in the current short hop zone. Following this long battle, we were all delighted in April 2023 when the NTA confirmed the introduction of a new Dublin Commuter Zone which would replace the short hop zone and included Newbridge and Kildare town.
“In January 2024, the NTA confirmed the fare structure for the new Dublin Commuter zone highlighting significant reductions of 45% for those travelling from Newbridge to Dublin and 37% for commuters from Kildare town. There was frustration that although these fare reductions had been announced, their implementation had been beset by delay after delay.
“I have long been raising this unfair situation forced upon South Kildare commuters with successive Ministers for Transport and the National Transport Authority (NTA) and most recently, the current Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, confirmed to me that the delays have not been caused by lack of funding but delays in availability and scheduling of sub-contractor works.
“I am pleased that it has been confirmed this week that the required ticketing infrastructure has been installed, updated and upgraded and ready to go live at Newbridge and Kildare stations for 28 April.
“The inclusion of Newbridge and Kildare town in the new Dublin Commuter zone was a big win and recognition of the work of so many to provide more Kildare commuters with fairer fares, who deserve great credit for their work on this initiative.
“I am delighted that now, finally, commuters in South Kildare will no longer be taken for ‘fool’s’ and will benefit from the reduction in their fare prices from the end of this month.”
