By: Aidan Knowles

Photo courtesy: Flickr/Steve A

AFTER SATURDAY, 1st December 2012 – cash and leap card fares for Dublin Bus, Luas, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann services will increase.

Prepaid tickets prices will also increase, but this change will not come into affect until early 2013.

The move, approved by the National Transport Authority, was made due to Ireland’s “difficult economic circumstances” and increasing fuel costs – despite cost cutting measures in the industry.

For Dublin Bus, the last fare increases were introduced in January 2012.

What does this mean for the city’s commuters?

Cash paying commuters are the worst affected by the increase. While those using Leap Card and prepaid tickets will still suffer price increases, these options still offer better value over cash fares.

On Dublin bus – the new price adjustment will see cash fares increase by an average of 11%. Meanwhile, leap card fares will be increased by an average of 7%.

For example, a cash paying adult travelling 8 to 13 stages on Dublin Bus previously had to pay €2.15. After December 1st 2012, this same journey will now cost €2.40.

Dubliners availing of the Dublin Bus’  ‘City Fare’ to get around the capital are also affected – with their cash paying fare increasing from €0.60 to €0.65 cent.

How do these new fares compare with nearby European capitals?

Across the pond – London’s bus service charges passengers a flat cash fee of £2.30, or at a discounted fare of £1.35 if using the Oyster Card (similar to Dublin’s Leap Card).

Meanwhile in Paris, the French pay a flat fee of €1.70 per bus journey.

Further South, commuters in Madrid pay a flat cash fare of €1.50 per bus journey.