National transport service confirms fare increase for most routes from next month

Increased fares by an average of 5% for Bus Éireann's Expressway service are to come into effect next month on some of the most popular routes in the country. 

Bus Éireann has confirmed that on average, fares will increase by 5% and that most routes will see increases.

It added that some fares will see a decrease while others will remain unchanged.    

In another change, return tickets will no longer be available for purchase on board some routes but will be available to purchase online or at ticket vending machines    

The company is also introducing a new 33% 'early bird' online discount, available to customers booking over seven days in advance of travel.

These changes will come into effect from 31 July 2023. 

Young adults aged 19 – 23 and students aged 24+ will continue to only pay 50% of the standard fare when buying online, provided they have a valid Young Adult or Student Leap Card.  

Free Travel Pass holders will continue to travel for free on all routes, with an option to prebook and guarantee their seat on a particular service for €2 per journey leg. 

Andrew Yates, Head of Expressway, said: “Expressway, like many commercial businesses, is enduring the challenges posed by significant cost increases across its cost base including those related to fuel, utilities, maintenance materials and insurance.

“Bus Éireann has taken the difficult but necessary decision to increase our Expressway fares in order to maintain our current level of services and to allow us to continue to meet the needs of our customers, and the more than 200 communities that benefit from the connectivity Expressway provides. 

“In addition, we remain committed to developing innovative new products and fare structures that align with our customer’s needs. To this end, we are particularly pleased to introduce the early bird discount on ticket purchases made at least one week in advance.

“Customers buying tickets online will benefit from a guaranteed seat on their preferred service and notification of in the event of service changes.” Expressway is Bus Éireann’s commercial coach service, operating 270 daily departures serving more than 80 towns across the island of Ireland,” Mr Yates said.   

Further information and a customer Q&A can be found on the Expressway website https://www.expressway.ie/service-news/our-fares-are-changing Full details of the new fares are available at expressway.ie