To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, following the publication of the NUS-USI Cost of Living 2026 Report, whether her Department is taking any steps to make public transport more affordable for higher and further education students.

I welcome the publication of the NUS–USI Cost of Living 2026 Report and I acknowledge the financial pressures currently facing higher and further education students.

My department continues to work closely with public transport operators, particularly Translink, to ensure that fare structures remain as accessible and affordable as possible for students.

As part of the review of the Concessionary Fares Scheme, officials explored a number of options prior to the launching of the public consultation in June 2023, including the introduction of free travel for young people under the age of 24.

While it is acknowledged that such a scheme could help reduce the financial burden of travel for young people, combat social isolation, and promote long-term sustainable travel habits, the proposal was not progressed further due to existing budgetary pressures on the concessionary fares programme.

However, a range of discounted fares are already available. Translink currently offers half fare for children aged 5-16. For those aged 16-23 the yLink card is a commercial product operated by Translink to encourage young people to travel by bus and rail. As with all fares and ticketing products, Translink keeps its offerings under review as part of managing its financial position and wider service provision.

As of May 2026, it has been just under two years since bus fares last went up in the North.

I took the decision to freeze public transport fares in the context of continuing cost of living pressures and to provide certainty to passengers. With fuel prices remaining high, I did not believe it would be right to increase fares and place further pressure on households who rely on buses and trains every day, including students.

Keeping fares stable helps support people at a challenging time and ensures public transport remains an affordable option for all.

I will continue to engage with Translink as budgets are developed to manage financial pressures responsibly within the funding available.