Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 3

Written Answers. - Integrated Ticketing.

Willie Penrose

Question:

93 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport in regard to the commitment given in An Agreed Programme for Government, the specific measures the Government intends to bring forward to promote integrated ticketing and smart card technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18245/02]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

100 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to have an initial integrated ticketing system in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18316/02]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 100 together.

The Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, has been given statutory responsibility for the implementation of an integrated ticketing project for the Dublin area and funding for this is being provided by my Department under the national development plan. The RPA has proposed that a fully integrated ticketing system based on smart card technology be available. Pending the introduction of smart card technology, I have asked my officials to discuss with CIE the bringing forward of proposals for more user friendly fare structures and ticketing arrangements based on existing technologies. I intend to give further and urgent attention to examining how best to expedite this project.