LATEST: Newbridge and Kildare town to be added to new Dublin Commuter Zone

A local representative for Newbridge referred to the recently-announced changes as being 'a positive step in the right direction.' Pictured above is a file photograph showing Newbridge Train Station.

placeholder image — A local representative for Newbridge referred to the recently-announced changes as being 'a positive step in the right direction.' Pictured above is a file photograph showing Newbridge Train Station.

The National Transport Authority's new national fare strategy will remove the short hop zone

Newbridge and Kildare town will be two winners from the initial phase of the National Transport Authority’s (NTA’s) new National Fare Strategy published today.

For many years, many residents of both Newbridge and Kildare town have called for their towns to be included as part of the short hop zone, which stops at Sallins.

Now, both towns are set to be included in the NTA's latest strategy.

The announcement has been welcomed by Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon, who said: "I have campaigned for many years that more Kildare South commuters should be included in the existing short hop zone.

"The NTA’s new national fare strategy will remove the short hop zone and instead replace it with a new Dublin Commuter Zone, which includes Newbridge and Kildare town stations.

He continued: "Commuters travelling from the Dublin Commuter Zone to the city centre of Dublun will experience some of the largest reductions in fares under the new strategy, as prices will drop by up to 45 per cent for Newbridge commuters and 37 per cent for Kildare town commuters when proposed leap card savings are implemented.

"A journey from Newbridge to Dublin Heuston currently costing €10.85 will drop down to €6 once Leap Cards are available for use at the stations.

"For commuters from Kildare town, a single adult fare, currently €11.95 will drop to €7.50 with a leap card, a 37 per cent drop from current single adult fare."

Martin Heydon TD (Fine Gael) standing beside a sign at Newbridge Train Station. Photograph supplied.

Minister Heydon added that while the reductions in fares are welcome, he added: "I had hoped they would be implemented sooner with the NTA estimating that the reductions announced will take effect in quarter 3 of 2024."

He further said that the NTA also plans to introduce new multi modal one-day, seven-day, monthly and annual tickets for stations with the Dublin Commuter Zone: "The new fare structure will also apply to bus services operating within the Dublin Commuter area."

"Commuters in other areas of South Kildare, such as Athy and Monasterevin, will not see significant changes under today’s announcement.

"The NTA confirmed that this national fare strategy will be rolled out across the Country over the next couple of years.

"These changes are more than just numbers; After many years of hard work to see fairer fares, I look forward to seeing these fares implemented with a more equitable and consistent fare structure in place for many Kildare commuters," Minister Heydon concluded.

The new plans announced by the NTA have also been welcomed by Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin.

She said: "The the objectives of the strategy are: to deliver equity, in that the cost of travel shouldn’t’ vary unduly depending on the route taken, or location in the country; consistency, so the cost per kilometres travelled shouldn’t vary unduly, and should be related to straight line distance between the origin and destination of the journey, rather than the route takes; and being easy to understand — related to consistency, customers should be able to understand the fare they are being charged and how it relates to the journey they are making."

Senator O'Loughlin, who is also her party's Deputy Leader in the Seanad, further said: "I have long advocated for commuters in South Kildare, particularly in the Newbridge / Kildare area.

"I believe we need to make our public transport infrastructure more affordable and accessible.

"Under the new NTA strategy, a new Outer Dublin Commuter Zone extending to approximately 50km from Dublin city centre will be created, and it will include the towns of Newbridge and Kildare."

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fáil) with her party colleague, Minister Jack Chambers, standing outside the entrance to Newbridge Train Station. Photograph supplied.

She continued: "The price differential for commuters between places like Newbridge and Kildare town, which are outside the current short hop zone and Sallins which is inside, is far too great, and disincentives commuters from further than Sallins, and this is an issue I have been working on for many years.

"As recently as two weeks ago, I had another meeting with Minister Jack Chambers, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, to continue to push for the fares determination to be announced.

"I am delighted, that after many false dawns, we now are another step along the road to delivering a better deal for local commuters."

Commenting on the 'significant cost reduction' of fairs, Senator O'Loughlin said: "I have worked closely with the NTA and with my colleagues in government to equalise the price differential for commuters in places like Newbridge and Kildare town.

"I believe the new fares determination is a positive step in the right direction and will bring greater price equity for local commuters."

"I urge the NTA to implement this price change as soon as possible," Senator O'Loughlin concluded.

From left to right: Former chair of Newbridge Fianna Fáil (FF) James Garvin, Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, An Tánaiste Michéal Martin, Cllr Anne Connolly and Cllr Noel Heavey. Photograph supplied.

UPDATE: Since this photograph was taken, Mr Garvin has resigned his membership of FF and will be contesting the local elections as an Independent candidate.