As the Deputy is aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicles (SPSV) sector is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
As regards rural transport, the NTA has been assigned responsibility for providing integrated local and rural transport. This includes responsibility for the Rural Transport Programme which now operates under the "Local Link" brand.
With this in mind and given the two distinct roles of the NTA in this respect, I have also referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.