Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2004
354 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to Question No. 420 of 30 March 2004, if he will report on the eligibility of persons with free travel passes to use their passes on Luas services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14406/04]
View answer355 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if an agreement has been reached with the Luas operator to ensure free travel for pensioners. [14582/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together.
Following consultations with my Department, the Railway Procurement Agency has recently set fares for Luas. Fares will be based on a zone system with a maximum adult fare of €2 for a single journey from St. Stephen's Green to Sandyford or from Connolly Station to Tallaght. Fares will be discounted for shorter journeys and return tickets will be offered for all journeys at a discount on full fare. A range of discounted weekly, monthly and annual tickets will also be available. The fares are intended to reward frequent use. I understand that the Department of Social and Family Affairs is in discussions with the RPA on arrangements for Luas participation in the free travel scheme. The RPA has informed me that it is looking forward to an agreement on the terms of its participation shortly and that it will make an announcement in advance of passenger operations at the end of June 2004.
356 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the agreements that have been made between the Luas and Dublin Bus operators to ensure Dublin Bus feeder services to Luas; and the ticketing arrangements that will be available to passengers. [14583/04]
View answerI understand that the Railway Procurement Agency, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus will announce over the coming weeks the details of the feeder bus and combined fares arrangements to apply for travel on trains, Luas and bus services, when Luas services commence at the end of June.
