Vol. 561 No. 3
165 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the provision of integrated ticketing; the steps which will be taken to ensure that integrated commuter tickets are available between the different bus operators now in place in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4225/03]
The Railway Procurement Agency has been given statutory responsibility for the implementation of an integrated ticketing system based on smartcard technologies for initial deployment in the greater Dublin area. It has set a target date of 2005 for commencement of a scheme involving all public transport operators in the area.
In advance of the introduction of this system the RPA is in discussions with public transport operators, including Dublin Bus and Irish Rail, about bringing forward innovative ticketing for use when Luas is launched next year. Later this year the RPA will present proposals on this matter. The CIE operating companies are also looking at means of promoting the greater use of combined bus and rail services on existing services.
