Fares to increase on Bus Éireann Expressway services next month

Bus Éireann has announced that fares on its Expressway services will increase by an average of 5% from the beginning of August.

The company is also placing a greater emphasis on online ticket sales, saying monthly return tickets would no longer be available for purchase onboard most Expressway routes.

"Return tickets will be available to purchase at discounted rates online, or at ticket vending machines," the company said.

It said the reason for the pending fare increases was rising costs, including the higher price of fuel.

"Expressway, like many commercial businesses, is enduring the challenges posed by significant cost increases across its cost base including those related to fuel, utilities, maintenance materials and insurance," stated Andrew Yates, Head of Expressway.

"Bus Éireann has taken the difficult but necessary decision to increase our Expressway fares in order to maintain our current level of services and to allow us to continue to meet the needs of our customers, and the more than 200 communities that benefit from the connectivity Expressway provides."

The company said a 33% 'early bird' online discount would be available to customers booking tickets online more than seven days in advance of travel, with a limited number of these seats available on every service.

Two years ago, in a controversial move, Bus Éireann announced the closure of its Expressway services between Athlone and Dublin/Galway, meaning it is no longer possible to get a bus to either city from Athlone's bus station.