BREAKING: Commuters living in Newbridge and Kildare to get cheaper train fares to Dublin

The controversial Short Hop Zone is to be replaced by a new Dublin Commuter Zone which will include Newbridge and Kildare town as part of a new national fare strategy confirmed by the National Transport Authority this morning according to Kildare South Fine Gael TD and Minister Martin Heydon.

Mr Heydon said: “The proposed new National Fares strategy announced by the NTA today will see the end of the Short Hop Zone which has disadvantaged commuters from Newbridge, Kildare and other areas of South Kildare for many years.

“The new fares strategy announced today will see all future fares for both bus and rail transport based on distance travelled in kilometres to bring equity and consistency to our national fare structure.  This move is another step closer to achieve fairer fares for Kildare commuters.

“Although the exact fares are yet to be confirmed, this announcement marks Phase 1 of the process and signals an end to the unjust method of the Short Hop Zone.

Under the new strategy, fares will be made up of a boarding charge plus an incremental fare based on the distance of the journey.    A variation of this structure will apply to Dublin city and commuter belt to eliminate fare inconsistencies in this area.  A Dublin city zone will be created which will extend approximately 23lm from the city and broadly equate to the existing 90 minute fare zone.

A new outer Dublin Commuter Zone extending approximately 50km from Dublin city centre will also be created.  This will include Newbridge and Kildare town.  The NTA confirmed that fares for journeys between Dublin and the outer Dublin Commuter Zone will be reviewed and revised in upcoming determinations. This change to the fare charging system  should also benefit rail users in Monasterevin and Portarlington.

“I have advocated for many years against the inequity of the Short Hop Zone which has unfairly disadvantaged Kildare commuters. While there is work left to be done, this new proposed system will bring in an era of fairer fares for Kildare commuters and I look forward to seeing it rolled out”, concluded Minister Heydon.