WIREDGOV

The Committee for Infrastructure has expressed its disappointment at a Translink fare hike at their last meeting before the election.

The Committee was made aware of Translink's intentions at the meeting, which will be an average of 1.6%. The fare increase is the first since February 2015.

Chairperson of the Committee William Humphrey MLA said: "While the Committee accepts that the fare increases across Translink since 2010 have been lower than the inflation over this period, we are still disappointed that increases have been made at this time.

"We accept that Translink, like many other businesses, is facing challenges to delivering their services. However, we also believe that these fare increases will put unwelcome pressure on many household budgets—something that can only hurt local people who are already struggling with lower disposable income than in the rest of the United Kingdom.

"We have been committed to encouraging the use of public transport over the past number of years. Fare increases, particularly to the Multi Journey Smartlink passholder could act as a disincentive to using public transport on a regular basis.

"As a Committee, we are calling on Translink to be mindful of the effect that increased fare will have to the economy and to all those who use public transport for business, leisure and tourism."