Private coach companies say it disadvantages them and their passengers as the €54 million taxpayer funding for the cuts benefits State-owned Bus Éireann andMr Halpenny also highlights the Youth Travel Card, announced in the budget, which offers 50 per cent discounts to people aged 19 to 23.
The Department of Transport said that the Government planned to broaden the scheme to commercial bus operators at “a later date” after introducing the cards for State public service routes in May. Mr Halpenny noted that Government Covid-19 travel restrictions have left many of the his members facing a crisis in their businesses.
The CTTC is seeking an urgent meeting with Mr Ryan to discuss this and calls on Oireachtas members to raise their concerns with the Minister.