I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 148 together.
A smart card for public transport services in the GDA is available on Luas services. In recent months all buses in the Dublin Bus fleet have been fitted with smart card validators. Smart cards are now in use on these buses in respect of a number of ticket products such as annual and monthly bus tickets, annual and monthly integrated bus and rail tickets and 5-day rambler tickets.
From late next year, a single smart card will be introduced for ticket products on Dublin Bus and Luas services. This smart card will also have an electronic purse capability for use on both services.
This system will then be extended to Irish Rail DART and commuter rail services within a further 12 months, and Bus Éireann on a pilot basis on a number of its commuter routes. It is also envisaged that private bus operators will join the scheme over this timeframe. The new gating systems at Irish Rail stations in the GDA have been designed to handle the new smart card.
A total of €14.7 million has been paid out by the Exchequer on integrated ticketing since the inception of the project in 2002. This expenditure encompasses project management, design and development costs and operator contributions.
The Project is being rolled out progressively in line with international experience. The Chairman of the Integrated Ticketing Project Board has told me good progress is being made and that, while there are significant issues to be resolved, all parties are working together to see the scheme delivered in line with project timescales.