As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. It also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which now operates under the Local Link brand.
Under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, NTA has statutory responsibility for the regulation of the small public service vehicle sector.
The NTA is also responsible for the recently announced pilot schemes relating to the Local Area Hackney Scheme and the Community Transport Service.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.