Thomas Gould
Question:15. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve the booking system through Irish Rail for persons with a travel pass. [62341/21]
View answerThursday, 16 December 2021
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As the Minister for Transport, Minister Ryan holds responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I note that he is not involved in the day-to-day operations, provision, or maintenance of public transport services, including matters related to subsidised rail services.
The Free Travel Scheme is a non-statutory scheme administered by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (D/EASP), which is available to persons aged 66 years or over who are permanently resident in the State, and to all carers in receipt of Carers' Allowance. The Scheme is also available to certain people with disabilities and people who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.
The fundamental principle of the Scheme as originally envisaged, is to utilise spare capacity on public transport services which operate, in any case, with or without eligible persons.
I have been advised by Iarnród Éireann that the company currently make available two booking options for free travel pass holders who wish to reserve seats for travel. Holders of a free travel pass have the option to book free of charge up to 60 minutes before departure on the company website at www.irishrail.ie; or they can phone Iarnród Éireann's Customer Call Centre for further assistance if they are not familiar with the online booking process, where customer care representatives will be happy to assist them with their queries.
Iarnród Éireann have further advised that their digital channels roadmap has identified continuous improvements to their booking system. The roadmap includes plans for a redesigned ticket selection process in 2022, subject to successful testing and technical feasibility.
Additionally, Iarnród Éireann have recruited in excess of 100 Customer Service Officers across the rail network who will operate on-board the majority of Intercity services, and who can issue Free Travel Pass tickets and other tickets while on-board, including cross-route tickets, to eligible persons.