Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon has put a freeze on fares on the public transport network due to the ongoing cost of living crisis facing individuals and families across Northern Ireland.

The Infrastructure Minister says she recognises the impact that inflation is having on the cost of living for citizens as consumer prices rose on average by 5.5% in the 12 months to January 2022 with warnings that further increases are likely

This action will go some way to alleviating further price hikes from hitting those struggling, Minister Mallon said, reports Belfast Live.

She added: “As Minister for Infrastructure, I have taken the decision to freeze fares on our public transport network at this time to ensure that our citizens who rely on public transport will not face additional pressures on their cost of travel especially when citizens and families are facing the challenges of the cost living crisis, with food, fuel and energy prices climbing.

“I hope this decision will go some way towards alleviating the problems many are facing at this challenging time. As leaders we absolutely must do all in our power to help our communities and particularly through the current living cost crisis. Public transport will not add pressures to those spiralling costs for people on my watch.

“That said, I also hope that this measure may also encourage more people to use public transport as we make Northern Ireland a sustainable place to live, work and socialise.”