The head of an Irish parliamentary committee has summoned the National Transport Authority (NTA) to answer questions over recent public transport fare increases, the Irish Independent reports. Fine Gael TD and committee chair is demanding clarity on the decision, which has drawn sharp criticism from opposition politicians and transport campaigners.
The NTA has been invited to appear before the committee following the fare hikes, which took effect amid growing public anger. The move comes as separate protests have labelled the increases as a "Trumpian policy" that could "cost lives", according to The Irish Times. The comparison was made at a Dublin demonstration where speakers argued the higher costs would push vulnerable people off public transport.
The fare rises have also reignited long-running grievances in regional areas. A renewed campaign in Wexford has outlined five key issues affecting rail users there, with the fare increases adding to existing frustrations over service quality, the Irish Independent reports.
