The fare hike is a result of reduced funding for public transport in the Stormont budget and aims to standardize pricing across the rail network based on cost-per-mile.
The increase will see an average rise of about 50p per adult single fare, although some routes will experience more significant hikes—up to £1.40 more for a journey from Larne to Belfast. This increase follows a 7% rise across various services in February, despite a previous fare freeze to assist passengers during the cost of living crisis. However, discounts such as the iLink and yLink card, offering 50% off for young people aged 16 to 23, will continue.
Specific fare increases include:
- Portadown to Belfast: 20p increase
- Lurgan to Belfast: 50p increase
- Antrim to Belfast: £1.30 increase
- Larne to Belfast: £1.40 increase
Notably, fares from some locations like Holywood, Bangor, Lisburn, and Londonderry to Belfast's Great Victoria Street will not change.