asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware (i) that passengers travelling from Cork to nearby towns such as Crosshaven and Ringasciddy have had their fares increased by over 22 per cent., while passengers on longer routes have had their fares increased by only 10 per cent.; (ii) that in the former case a large number of passengers use the buses daily to get to their work and the large increase places an unfair burden on them; and, if so, whether he will make representations to Córas Iompair Éireann to have this discrimination against the short routes stopped and an increase of approximately 10 per cent. only put into operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bus Passengers' Fares.
The fares charged on Córas Iompair Éireann provincial bus services have been increased to a uniform rate of 1¾d. per mile. This represents an increase of 16? per cent. on average. The percentage increase will be greater or less than this figure if the fares formerly charged on a particular route were below or above the average rate. The fares between Cross-haven and Cork, and Ringasciddy and Cork were below the average and have now been brought up to the uniform rate of 1¾d. per mile which applies generally on provincial services.
Before authorising the recent increases in bus fares the Government considered all aspects of the matter very fully. Having regard to the urgent need for additional revenue to meet the increases in wages, materials and other costs they were satisfied that these increases were the minimum necessary.
Can the Minister say if it is contemplated having excursion rates operating between Cork and Crosshaven during the coming summer season, and, if not, will he recommend that course to Córas Iompair Éireann?
The Deputy, of course, will appreciate that that is a matter for the company. However, I will mention the matter to them.