I do not set public transport fares. It is the responsibility of the regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), to adjudicate on applications from Dublin Bus for fare increases or changes to fares. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The NTA approved a range of fare increases in respect of the CIÉ companies and Luas which took effect on 1st December 2013 for cash, Leap and pre-paid fares. Annual and monthly tax-saver fares were increased from 1st November. It is important to point out that significant savings can be made by passengers who choose to avail of the integrated ticket, the Leap Card. In many cases when using the Leap card, passengers will be paying fares that are below 2011 cash fares.
Notwithstanding the NTA's statutory responsibilities, the Government recognises the need for the CIÉ companies to respond to the challenge of reduced PSO subvention funding, reduced fares income arising from reductions in passenger numbers and higher fuel costs, which are outside their control. The board of CIÉ is pursuing a range of measures to address the financial position, including payroll and other cost reductions across the three operating companies. Improved bank facilities have been agreed, which will ensure that the company has sufficient funding into the future.
For the three years 2011 to 2013, the total State support for Dublin Bus for PSO, capital support and support to cover the cost of free travel was €335 million. A further €110 million is being provided across the three headings in 2014. The Exchequer, through the NTA, has provided funding for a rolling renewal programme for the PSO bus fleet. The 2013 allocation for this programme in Dublin Bus was €28m, resulting in the purchase of 80 new buses. Further funding of €20 million is being made available in 2014 for bus replacement and refurbishment. Bus is still the key public transport mode and it is important we have a reliable and efficient fleet with a reasonable average age.
Through the NTA, my Department is funding the use of smart technology to make public transport easier to access and more reliable for the user. Significant progress has been made with the Leap card, Real Time Passenger Information, and the National Journey Planner which maps all public transport services across the country. The use of Wi-Fi on buses has also improved the transport experience. The NTA will continue to progress these consumer friendly initiatives which make using public transport more attractive. The public transport experience has improved significantly and that is where we must target our efforts in future. I hope through avoidance of further reductions in subvention, a stabilisation of passenger numbers as the economy improves and cost-saving measures in Dublin Bus that future fare increases can be targeted at sustaining public transport that benefits commuters and our economy.
I have set as one of my Department's priorities for 2014 to work with all transport operators, including Dublin Bus, to increase the number of people using public transport by 2% i.e. 5 million passenger journeys. Minister of State Kelly and I will be meeting regularly with senior management in all of the publicly funded transport companies and the NTA to focus efforts to improve patronage on our buses, trams and trains.
