Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021
213. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if will consider expanding the eligibility criteria for the young adult travel card scheme to include private bus and coach operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54468/21]
View answer214. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the reason for a decision to exclude private bus operators from the new young adult travel card scheme which was recently announced as part of Budget 2022 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54470/21]
View answer219. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider expanding the scope of eligibility for the young adult travel card scheme to include private bus and coach operators in order to avoid the exclusion of young persons living outside large urban areas in which public transport is not readily available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54597/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 213, 214 and 219 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares.
Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the NTA has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
As part of Budget 2022, I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a youth travel card (YTC). The YTC will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services.
The NTA have commenced work in relation to the implementation of the new fares structures for young adults. I have therefore forwarded the Deputies questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
