Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 September 2022
53. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport his plans to follow the example of other countries in relation to reducing the costs of public transport and moving to a free and frequent public transport system nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46235/22]
View answer56. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will re-examine the policy on free public transport in light of recent moves in a number of EU Member States to reduce fares and its impact on numbers increasing on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45701/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 56 together.
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 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.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have forwarded the Deputies questions in relation to free public transport, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
