Translink: Public bus and train fares frozen for another year

Image caption, Bus and train fares were frozen in February and will now remain static for another year

Translink's public transport fares will stay frozen for another year to help passengers facing higher costs of living, a Stormont minister has said.

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said he took the decision in order to "reduce the financial burden on bus and train passengers".

"We are facing into a very challenging winter with many households concerned about rising fuel, energy and food costs," he said.

Translink has welcomed the move.

"This is good news for our customers at a time聽when the cost of other everyday expenses has risen sharply," said Translink's Group Chief Executive Chris Conway.

"This will especially support聽those聽on the lowest incomes who spend a high proportion聽of their household income on public transport."

Mr Conway said the extension of the fare freeze would also encourage greater use of public transport "to address climate change and improve air quality".

Mr O'Dowd's predecessor, Nichola Mallon, had announced a fare freeze back in February.