Fuel cost blamed for 5% fare hike

Increased fuel costs were blamed for the second price increase in six months

Bus and rail fares across Northern Ireland are set to rise by 5% later this month, Translink has announced.

Spiralling fuel costs are being blamed for the price rise, which follows a similar increase in March.

Translink spokesman Ciarán Rogan said: "Our fuel bill will be £9m higher this year than last, and unfortunately we have no option but to raise fares."

The Consumer Council's Aodhan O'Donnell said Translink had been "open and transparent" about the price rise.

"This fare increase is a direct result of increasing fuel prices and through our consultation with Translink, we are assured that they have made every effort to keep the increase to a minimum," he said.

"However, that is cold comfort for people who are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet."

The cost of Ulsterbus day tickets and Metro weekly tickets remains the same, and Mr Rogan said multi-journey tariffs and promotional fares continued to offer savings to customers.

"I am confident that bus and rail travel is still by far the best value choice - particularly in the current economic climate as we all face large price hikes in petrol and diesel and other energy bills," he added.