School bus services across Ireland could be at risk as fuel prices soar due to Iran war

Ireland’s leading commercial bus and coach operators representative body, the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), has today warned that sustained fuel price increases, driven by escalating instability in the Middle East, are placing essential transport services at serious risk.

The Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), which represents commercial bus and coach operators nationwide, has called for urgent Government intervention to protect school transport, rural connectivity, scheduled services and tourism services from the impact of fuel volatility expected to continue in the months ahead.

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Fuel is one of the largest operating costs for commercial passenger transport providers. Operators report that current price increases are already placing severe pressure on margins, with further increases anticipated.

The sector is seeking the reintroduction of structured fuel variation mechanisms for school transport, Local Link and PSO contracts, alongside the introduction of a Fuel Duty Rebate rate for licensed commercial bus operators.

CTTC argues that such measures would provide targeted, administratively efficient relief and align Ireland with international approaches to protecting essential passenger transport services.

The CTTC is also seeking formal confirmation that commercial bus and coach operators will retain protected access to fuel supplies in the unlikely event of rationing or supply restrictions, noting that the sector was formally designated as “Essential Services” during the Covid-19 emergency.

The commercial bus and coach industry plays a central role in transporting thousands of schoolchildren daily, supporting rural communities, getting people to work, facilitating tourism and underpinning regional economic activity.

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Chair of the CTTC David Conway said:

“Operators are facing a stinging and immediate cost shock at a time when many businesses are already operating on tight margins. Without targeted intervention, there is a real risk to the sustainability of essential services - particularly school transport and rural connectivity.

“We are calling for a clear, coordinated response, including a Fuel Duty Rebate or equivalent mechanism, to ensure that vital transport links for families, workers, communities and the wider economy are protected.”

CTTC has requested urgent engagement with Government to discuss practical measures to safeguard service continuity.