Cost of single athlone to dublin train trip now over 25
Train commuters have recently been hit by a series of hefty fare hikes, with the cost of some tickets at the station in Athlone rising by 25% in the last three years.
A single train ticket from Athlone to Dublin now costs €25.65, an increase of €3.65 (or 16.5%) when compared with the price at the beginning of 2012.
A 'day return’ ticket to the capital has risen by even more, jumping from €22 to €27.45 (a 25% increase) in the three-year period.
Significant increases have also come into effect on the Athlone to Galway route. A 'day return’ ticket for this journey was €17.90 at the start of 2012, but it now costs €21 which represents an increase of 17.3%.
The cost of travelling on Irish Rail routes increased hugely during the recession, with fares rising by a total of 33% since 2008. The most recent round of fare increases for passengers came into effect late last year.
Commenting on the increases at the time, Irish Rail spokesperson Barry Kenny said discount promotions on train tickets ensured train travel costs here were still below European norms.
Dr Mark Gleeson, of Rail Users Ireland, has said that the fare increases amounted to a “targeted attack” on commuters.
“The simplest solution to Irish Rail’s problems is to increase passenger numbers — fare increases will serve only to suppress demand, particularly in discretionary travel,” he said.
“Clearly the National Transport Authority has failed to force Irish Rail to deliver on the cost savings Irish Rail is so publicly claiming it is working on and, as is typical, passengers are left to carry the can.”
The rising cost of train travel
FROM ATHLONE TO DUBLIN:
* Singe Ticket
In 2012: €22
Today: €25.65
* Day Return Ticket
In 2012: €22
Today: €27.45
* Open Return Ticket (to be used within 30 days)
In 2012: €37
Today: €39.40
FROM ATHLONE TO GALWAY:
* Single Ticket
In 2012: €17.90
Today: €19.70
* Day Return Ticket
In 2012: €17.90
Today: €21
* Open Return Ticket
In 2012: €29.40
Today: €31.05
* The current fares are for tickets purchased at the station in Athlone and were correct as of February 2015. The cost of tickets booked online may vary.