The Transport Minister is defending hikes to public transport fares- saying the quality of service is worth the increase. From yesterday prices on journeys across Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail and Luas have risen by an average of 20 cent.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) says the hikes are necessary to protect routes.

Transport expert Senator Sean Barrett says the government needs to look at an overhaul of the transport system instead of continuous fare hikes.

"Increasing prices at 8 percent when people do not have disposable income, haven't had a wage rise for about five years and other products are holding their prices down, it's not a recipe to go anywhere" he said.

Fares on monthly, annual and Tax-Saver tickets have gone up since back in November, with prices on cash tickets, Leap Card and pre-paid tickets having increased from yesterday.

The NTA says Dublin Bus users will see an average cash increase of 10%, with Leap Cards due to rise over 2%. Irish Rail prices are to jump between 2% to 9% on average.

There are variations as to how much the increase will be, depending on which part of what service you are using.

Luas Green Line Zone 2 cash fare will jump by 10 cent, while the Luas Red Zone 2 will rise by 20 cent. DART passengers will see a cash fare rise of 25 cent per journey, while Dublin Bus will see an average increase of 25 cent.

But the Transport Minister Leo Varadkar says the services provided are worth the fare increases.