Seán Crowe
Question:850. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional supports are being prepared including funding for public transport companies impacted severely by Covid-19. [8257/20]
View answerWednesday, 27 May 2020
Questions (850)
Written answers
The Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and has designated it amongst the essential services that have carried on during the Covid-19 emergency. I would like to thank the operators and their staff in continuing this essential service.
Throughout, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the public transport operators have been closely following the public health advices. In line with those advices, they have implemented a number of measures across the public transport system for enhanced cleaning regimes and to facilitate appropriate social distancing.
The sharp decline in passenger numbers since mid-March as a result of the Covid-19 health emergency has caused an unprecedented fall in fare revenues, thus creating a wide gap between the operators' costs and actual revenues. This is putting acute pressure on the existing Public Service Obligation (PSO) budget. However, it is clear that public transport is an essential service and that it is an important facilitator of the Government's Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
I have been clear that we will ensure that PSO is appropriately funded. To that end, my Department is working closely with the NTA to quantify the additional funding requirements for the coming months, and we are engaging positively with relevant colleagues across Government in that respect.