As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the rollout of the new bus ticket pricing structure by Bus Éireann outside of Dublin, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.