Waterford Leap Card fares are set to increase by 26% from January 2027, with the standard fare rising from €1.35 to €1.70.

The figures have been confirmed by the Minister for Transport in response to a Parliamentary Question submitted by Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness.

The €1.70 fare will apply to standard Leap Card users travelling on Waterford’s public transport services.

The increase represents a rise of 35 cent per journey, or 26% on the current €1.35 fare.

The Minister has also confirmed that the introduction of the new flat €1.70 fare is a prerequisite for the introduction of a 90-minute fare in Waterford.

However, no clear date has been given for when the 90-minute fare will be introduced.

The figures come as questions continue over the future rollout of BusConnects in Waterford, which is expected to bring changes including increased service frequencies, redesigned routes and improved connectivity.

The Parliamentary Question response states that the €1.70 fare is required before the 90-minute fare can be introduced, meaning passengers will face the higher standard fare from January while the timeframe for the additional fare arrangement remains unclear.

The increase means that a passenger making two standard Leap Card journeys a day would pay an additional 70 cent per day compared with the current fare.

For someone making those two journeys over five days a week, that would amount to an additional €3.50 per week, before any other changes to their travel costs.

The fare change comes against the backdrop of planned investment in Waterford’s public transport network, including the proposed BusConnects redesign.

The new figures have prompted concerns about passengers paying more for services while waiting for the promised expansion and improvements to the network.

Deputy McGuinness said the increase would have a significant impact on people who rely on public transport regularly.

He also pointed to the lack of a confirmed date for the introduction of the 90-minute fare and the ongoing wait for BusConnects improvements.

The Government has previously outlined plans to expand public transport capacity in Waterford as part of the wider BusConnects programme.

The new fare will come into effect from January 2027.