The 20% reduction in public transport fares that came into effect Monday only applies to subsidised public transport, which means that City Direct buses which service the west side of the city to Knocknacarra, Salthill, and Bearna.
Galway West deputy Mairead Farrell said that not everyone will get the benefit of the reduction.
“Public transport prices have been too high for too long and it is right that the Government has finally brought it in measures to reduce the cost for the public.
“However, in Galway city, we have just one example of the state allowing privatisation of essential public services, in this case, the bus service in Knocknacarra, Salthill, and Bearna. In the case of Knocknacarra, City Direct is the only bus option.
“People in these areas will not get the benefit of this fare reduction because the bus service is managed by a private company,” she said.
“Choosing to privatise rather than invest only does harm customers who are left at the mercy of a private company who treats public transport not as a public service, but as a solely for-profit enterprise.
“It is important to highlight the ways that privatisation of essential public services harms our communities, and to stand up to Government when attempts are made to encroach on people’s access to public services.
“In this instance, we have a situation where people are under severe pressure with the cost of living crisis, and an entire segment of the population here in Galway are completely cut off from benefiting from the measure that Government have offered to address this crisis.
“Government must take responsibility for the provision of public services and for making public transport accessible and affordable,” she concluded.
