Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
256. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the status of the youth public discount card scheme announced in budget 2022; the criteria and the application process involved for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4354/22]
View answer260. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the introduction of half-price travel on public transport for persons under 24 years of age as announced in budget 2022; when half-price travel on public transport will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4482/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 260 together.
In recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which 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 of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services. This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings.
While 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 decision making on fares; the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility in this regard. In light of this, the NTA has commenced work in relation to the implementation of the new fares’ structures for young adults, and this includes examining criteria and the application process. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days
