According to TransLink, the average adult solo traveler will receive an extra 50p.
Around half of adult one-way train fares in Northern Ireland will increase in price from early next month.
This comes after funding for public transport was cut as part of Stormont’s overall budget cuts.
Public transport operator Translink said the new fares would be based on cost per mile, making prices consistent across the rail network.
On average, one-way adult fares will be around 50p more expensive, but some passengers will face even bigger increases.
Those boarding in Antrim to travel to Belfast will have to pay £1.30 more than they currently do, while those traveling into the city from Larne will have to pay an extra £1.40 on top of their current fare.
The changes are expected to take effect from Monday 6th November.
Tranlink’s Hilton Parr believes the company’s ticket prices remain good value for money.
Hilton Parr, TransLink’s director of rail customer services, said the organization had worked hard to keep fares as low as possible.
But he said funding pressures on public sector organizations, including Translink, left him with no other choice.
He told BBC News NI: “Fares will vary across the network, simply because there is a fairer system based on cost per mile driven.”
“We truly believe these fares remain good value for money and will continue to encourage more people to use public transport.”
Mr Parr said the maximum single fare increase would be £1.50.
The discounts available with iLink and yLink cards (50% off for ages 16 to 23) will be maintained.
How much are Translink’s new rail fares?
Translink said some routes were receiving higher levels of subsidies than before, meaning fares were kept lower.
The new plan introduces a new standardized fare structure and changes travel prices.
image source, Getty Images
New fares will apply from Monday 6th November
Changes include:
- Portadown to Belfast: 20p increase
- Lurgan to Belfast: 50p increase
- Antrim to Belfast: increase of £1.30
- Larne to Belfast: increase of £1.40
This means a single from Larne to Belfast will cost £9.60, up from the current £8.20.
However, not all one-way fares are increasing.
There will be no increase in the price of train journeys from Hollywood, Bangor, Lisburn and Londonderry to Great Victoria Street in Belfast.
One rail user told BBC News NI that he would pay the increased fares because “investment in the country’s infrastructure is important”.
However, she recognized that new prices could make people anxious and that it could create a “false economy”.
