The introduction of free public transport is not the 'silver bullet' some people think.
That's according to Green Party Councillor Janet Horner, who was responding to a call from the AA to introduce free public transport and a shared bikes trial across the country.
The call comes on foot of suggestions from Transport Minister Eamon Ryan that free public transport would see "an increased level of unnecessary trips."
Councillor Horner told Lunchtime Live there are better ways to use taxpayers' money.
"We do want to aspire towards free public transport in the long run in Ireland, I think," she said.
"I think it's a very good destination point that we should be looking towards in a transport policy.
"But I don't think it's appropriate for the next step of the journey".
'Problems will not be addressed'
Cllr Horner said there are too many barriers in place at the moment.
"We know what the barriers are to people taking up public transport in Ireland at the moment," she said.
"It's access to the network, it's concerns about safety, it's frequency and reliability of service.
"None of those things are going to be addressed, just by reducing the fee that is associated with it.
"We are making steps towards reducing the cost of transport at the moment... I think it is that shift in mindset towards seeing public transport as a public good, rather than something that is a bottom line, profit-making service that the State provides".
Composite image shows a Dublin Bus on College Green in Dublin city, and commuters on the Luas in Dublin. Picture by:Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ieCllr Horner said a much wider series of measures are needed.
"It is not the silver bullet that some might think it is towards getting people out of their cars and getting people on to public transport," she said.
"If we want to do that we have to take a much greater, wider series of measures including - and most importantly - investment in network, accessibility and safety".
'Nonsense'
Brian lives in Luxembourg, which introduced free public transport three years ago.
"It hasn't increased, significantly, the level of unnecessary journeys," he said.
"All it's done is, for example, I leave the car at home now if I'm going to work - I get the bus in.
"I used to drive in on a crowded motorway, and try and look for parking.
"Now I just get the bus: it's 20 minutes, it's one stop.
"It was based on green policies, better service and getting people out of the car to improve traffic - and it worked".
A tram pulling up at the Philharmonie - Mudam stop in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg in April 2020. Picture by: agefotostock / Alamy Stock PhotoBrian said comments around an increase in unnecessary trips are "just nonsense."
"People have better things to be doing," he said.
"People travel when they need to travel - I go into work once a week on the bus.
"I might go in at the weekend on the train and that's about it.
"I don't think it [increased unnecessary trips] for anyone; I don't know on what basis he's saying that," he added.
Listen back to the full segment below:
