The decision to exclude private bus companies from the 20% fare reduction on State funded public transport services has been raised in the Dail.
The Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland says it risks putting hundreds of operators across the country out of business.
CTTC says the preferential treatment of State services to offer a significantly reduced rate to passengers effectively creates a monopoly.
The organisation says the latest measures also demonstrate a casual disregard for commercial bus operators who collectively support more than 31 million journeys on an annual basis.
It adds that private operators are already struggling with crippling fuel prices and unprecedented increases in operational costs.
Cork South-West Independent TD Michael Collins raised the issue in the Dail on Tuesday night:
