By Fiona Lalor
Concerns have been raised about the rising cost of bus fares in Galway, with students and young adults among those expected to be hit hardest.
The price rise will come into effect from January after the National Transport Authority (NTA) announced that public transport fares increases in recent weeks. Commuters in Galway will face a 26 per cent increase in adult fares, while student and young adult fares will rise by 30 per cent.
The current 65-cent bus fare for student and young adult transport users will rise to 85 cents, while the standard adult fare will rise to €1.70.
The Galway Commuter Coalition has strongly opposed the increases, warning that higher fares will cause harm to those who choose public transport over private transport and could discourage people from choosing greener travel options.
“We believe it goes against every piece of active travel and accessible travel policy that the government has previously tried to implement and is a gut punch to those who have tried to move away from the car and use public transport over the last six years,” said Daniel Mc Gonigle of the Galway Commuters Coalition.
The Coalition expects a 9 per cent decline in student and young adult transport users. This decrease could undermine efforts to reduce traffic congestion in Galway city, particularly in areas surrounding the University of Galway.
Shifrah Fitzpartick, a final-year University of Galway student who depends on public transport, expressed the worries she is facing with the rising cost of public transport fares:
“I understand that the rise in the cost of living means that fares have to go up, but as a student who depends on public transport to get around, I will definitely feel the impact of spending more money on bus fares. Hopefully, more can be done about it.”
In January, Galway City Council welcomed a €22.6 million increase from the NTA for active travel and public transport projects in 2026. The additional funding was expected to support the redesign of Galway’s bus services.
The Galway Commuters Coalition have questioned whether these investments will be enough for passengers facing rising costs.
“Galway Commuters have been asked to hold on year on year for investment in public transport and traffic alleviation, and have been burdened with these fare increases, and the promise of future fare reviews year-on-year, at a time of great strain financially for all in Ireland.”
The NTA have stated that, from 2027 onwards, they will review fares annually to ensure they remain aligned with operating costs, investment requirements and affordability objectives.
However, concerns still remain over whether the rising cost of public transport will discourage commuters, particularly younger passengers, from choosing buses over private transport.