CIÉ has said it hopes to get fare increases of 9% passed by the Government before Christmas.
A spokesman for the company has confirmed that it has asked the Department of Transport to allow the increase to cover rising costs.
Labour Spokesperson on Transport Roisin Shorthall said the Government should increase the subvention to CIÉ instead.
The increases, which would come into effect in January, would add €5 to the Dublin-Cork train fare and the €1.80 Dublin bus fare would go up by 15 cent.
A company spokesperson said that one third of the increase was caused by higher fuel prices.
He said CIÉ had avoided price increases in the past by buying ahead but were now facing a 20% increase in fuel costs next year.
The spokesperson said the rest of the proposed increase is to cover rising wage costs from the national pay agreement.
There is also increased gas and electricity costs.
It is not certain that Transport Minister Martin Cullen will allow the fare rise.
Last year CIE asked for 7.5% increase, but were only allowed 3.8%.
