The Oireachtas Transport Committee has invited representatives from the National Transport Authority (NTA) to appear before lawmakers on 16 September following widespread public and political backlash over planned public transport fare increases. The decision follows the transport regulator's announcement of a national fare restructuring that will see adult fares across state-subsidised bus and rail services increase by an average of 15% starting in January 2027.

Committee Chairman Michael Murphy, a Fine Gael TD, confirmed the invitation and questioned whether raising public transport costs aligns with state goals to encourage modal shift away from private cars. Murphy stated that commuters deserve a clear explanation of the rationale behind the price hikes, details on alternative options evaluated by the authority, and an evaluation of the financial impact on passengers during ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Under the NTA’s newly published 2026 Fares Determination, the changes will apply across the Transport for Ireland (TFI) network, affecting Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Luas, Go-Ahead Ireland, and TFI Local Link services. Among the specific adjustments, Dublin's TFI 90-minute fare for adults will increase from €2.00 to €2.30, while town bus fares nationwide will rise by 10%. The NTA defended the strategy, noting that overall adult fares remain below peak historical levels and that select child fares will be reduced, particularly on regional routes.

The announcement triggered criticism from opposition parties and trade unions, who argued that higher commuting costs penalise public transport users and undermine climate objectives. Defending the measure, Taoiseach Micheál Martin highlighted the need for a sustainable funding model to support continuous service expansion and infrastructure improvements across the state's transport network.