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The letter argues that fare increases should account for the broad social benefits of public transport, including health savings, reduced congestion, lower emissions, improved wellbeing, and greater social inclusion. It calls for greater investment in public transport and proposes aviation fuel excise and a progressive frequent-flyer tax to reflect the polluter-pays principle.
Sir, – The discussion on public transport fare increases falls into the familiar trap of failing to count either the costs to people and to the country of individual car use or the benefits of public transport.
Persons using public transport integrate exercise into their day. This has been shown to have measurable health benefits. Public transport reduces traffic congestion by being more efficient. On long intercity journeys, significant savings on carbon emissions are made.
Mass transport causes much less air pollution than individual combustion engines, with reduced health impacts. The healthcare cost burden to individuals and the State is lower. There are fewer work days lost and potentially fewer road deaths. These costs are never included in the equation.
Enhanced, improved public transport also enhances people’s wellbeing if it avoids lengthy periods stuck in traffic and all the frustration involved. It also improves quality of life in more remote areas and for those who are unable to drive for cost, health or other reasons. Public transport has much greater contribution to the common good and therefore it should be made as easy as possible.
We should consider public transport investment as an investment in the public good, not just a burden. For hard cash, why are we not looking at charging excise on aviation fuel and applying a progressive frequent flyer tax on the basis that the polluter pays? Many people don’t fly at all, yet we will all pay the price in climate and therefore financial terms of the large emissions from aviation. – Yours, etc, THERESE THORNTON, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.
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