Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:293. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of making all public transport free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41463/22]
View answerTuesday, 26 July 2022
Questions (293)
Written answers
As 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 the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable. The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question regarding the estimated full-year cost of making all public transport free of charge to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51