Young people will soon be able to get half-price fares on private buses.

Earlier this year, the Government announced a 50% cut in public transport fares for under-24s to help with the cost-of-living crisis.

the measure was originally due to remain in place until the end of the year; however, it is no expected to be extended in the upcoming budget.

It could now remain in place on a long-term basis.

Meanwhile, the measure is to be extended to private operators as well as public, meaning students who use private buses to get to college will see their costs cut in half.

Up to now, it only applied to State-subsidised public transport operators, such as Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann, Irish Rail and the Luas.

A formal announcement about the move is expected from the National Transport Authority (NTA) this week.

Reporting from Andrew Lowth.