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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public services obligation (PSO) contracts, in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable. It also has responsibility for allocating PSO Exchequer funding to eligible public transport providers.
I have, therefore, forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.