Cut transport fares and expand remote work now
Cut transport fares and expand remote work now - The Labour Party
- Labour supports temporary fuel duty cuts
- Cut public transport fares by 10% and expand access to remote working
Labour’s Finance spokesperson Ged Nash TD says temporary cuts to excise duty are welcome in a crisis but don’t go far enough to permanently reduce costs for workers.
Deputy Nash has proposed additional cost of living measures alongside Government plans to cut excise duty on fuel, warning that workers and families will continue to face mounting pressure without long-lasting action on transport costs and remote working.
Speaking today in response to the Government’s decision to bring forward proposals to cut excise duty on diesel by 20 cent and petrol by 15 cent until the end of May following the escalation of conflict in Iran, Deputy Nash said a broader response is required to deliver long-term savings for workers and urged Government to immediately introduce a 10% reduction in public transport fares and expand access to working from home.
Deputy Nash said:
“Labour supports the temporary reduction in excise duty on diesel and petrol as a necessary step to ease the immediate pressure on hard pressed motorists in the face of rising global instability and energy costs.
“However, this cannot be the extent of the Government’s response. We need to cut the cost of the commute permanently and where possible, we should cut out the commute.
“The reality for workers and families across the country is that the cost of living remains stubbornly high and many people are still struggling to make ends meet. Thanks to Fine Gael’s decision to cut sales tax for burger barons instead of letting workers take the full value of small pay rises in 2026, home the situation for working families was already bad.
“The response needs to be a mix of financial measures for commuters, targeted supports for workers and small businesses, and clear policy interventions that reduce costs for the long-term.
“We are calling for a 10% cut in public transport fares to provide real and immediate relief to those who rely on buses, trains and Luas services every day and the suspension of future toll hikes, as was done in 2022. Public transport must be a viable and affordable alternative to driving, particularly at a time when fuel prices are volatile and household budgets are under severe strain.
“While cutting the cost of the commute is welcome, ending the commute is better. We need a real focus on enabling people to work from home where possible. Remote working has proven benefits for workers, for families and for the wider economy. It reduces commuting costs and eases pressure on transport networks. Yet too many workers are now being required to return to the office without justification, increasing their daily costs and adding to congestion.
“Government must lead by example. There should be a renewed and clear mandate across the civil and public service to support working from home wherever roles allow. By doing so, Government can set the standard for the private sector and ensure that workers are not penalised by being forced into costly daily commutes. Instead of outright opposition to Labour’s remote work legislation, we need government to work with us on it.
“This is a moment that demands more than short term measures. Government must act decisively to reduce costs, support workers and give people real choices in how they live and work. That means cutting public transport fares and expanding remote working. Labour will continue to press for these measures and for a fairer, more sustainable approach to the cost of living crisis.”