Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
245. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of making public transport free for persons under 18 years inclusive of the 20% reduction that has already been applied in 2022. [40633/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance. Therefore, in light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy’s specific question in relation to the estimated cost of making public transport free for persons under 18 years inclusive of the 20% reduction that has already been applied in 2022, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
