Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2016
82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he can continue to facilitate efficient commuter transport by the use of co-ordination between the road and rail network in such a way as to provide the highest possible degree of transport cost effectiveness and efficiency for commuters located conveniently to such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15624/16]
View answerThe Deputy has raised two important issues in terms of our public transport network, namely the need for an integrated whole of system approach and also the need to ensure value for money in the provision of public transport services.
The Deputy will no doubt be aware of the considerable work undertaken by the National Transport Authority in striving toward a better integrated public transport system across not just the Greater Dublin Area, but within our regional cities, and indeed across the State generally. This work finds tangible form in the development of new commuter friendly initiatives such as the National Journey Planner, Real Time Passenger Information and of course the Leap Card, all of which provide for better integrated public transport services and aid accessibility for the commuter. There has also been considerable investment in public transport infrastructure improvements aimed at promoting better integration between different modes, such as the development of Park & Ride facilities. Funding is also being provided toward integrated bus and rail stations, such as on-going works to improve linkage between Kent Station and Cork City Centre and the completion of a Rail/Bus Plaza area at Colbert Station.
The NTA's recently published Transport Strategy for the GDA seeks to provide for the efficient, effective and sustainable movement of people and goods and includes a wide range of measures which will further improve integration between public transport modes. As required under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 the NTA is now preparing an implementation plan for the first six year period of the Strategy and I expect the Deputy will have some useful observations to make when the NTA commences its consultation period on that plan.
In terms of the value for money achieved in the delivery of our public transport services, there are now public service contracts in place between the NTA and all public transport operators providing PSO services. These contracts specify the service and quality standards expected of the operators and their performance is monitored closely by the NTA with quarterly reports published and available to view on their website.
