Free Public Transport For Under 9s

Get on the bus, young Gus…

atest press release from Simon Harris TD, issued on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025…

Tánaiste and Wicklow TD, Simon Harris, has today announced the new TFI Child Leap Card, which will provide free travel on all Transport for Ireland (TFI) services for children between the ages of 5 and 8.

The scheme, available through leapcard.ie, extends free public transport to nearly a quarter of a million children across the country and will directly benefit thousands of families in County Wicklow.

Speaking following the announcement, Tánaiste Harris said: “This is really positive news for families across county Wicklow.

“I know how important public transport is for families in Wicklow and extending free travel to under 9s is the right thing to do.

“This builds the existing free travel for children under 5 and is part of Fine Gael’s commitment in Government to make public transport more affordable and accessible for families.

“Whether it’s getting the bus to school, hopping on a train into Dublin, or using Local Link services in our rural communities, parents will now have the reassurance that their children under 9 can travel for free.

The Tánaiste added: “This decision will support parents managing school runs, after-school activities, or weekend trips, and most importantly also encouraging children to grow up seeing buses and trains as part of everyday life.

“Crucially, this scheme applies across all TFI services, including Local Link, which is vital for our rural towns and villages.”

Tánaiste Harris concluded: “This is Fine Gael in Government delivering for families in Wicklow. We promised to reduce costs for parents and make public transport more accessible, and today’s announcement is a clear example of us following through.”

Families can apply now for the free TFI Child Leap Card by clicking here.