Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023
13. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve public transport for students forced to make long commutes due to a lack of accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29224/23]
View answer26. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if he has explored alternative measures to alleviate the financial burden of public transport for students; if he will provide an update on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30204/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 26 together.
I want to reassure the Deputy that the Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens, including students, with reliable and realistic public transport options. The roll-out of projects like BusConnects, Connecting Ireland, and New Town Services are among the improvements we are making to achieve our ambitious goals for the sector. This includes the infrastructure needed to deliver those services.
In tandem with these improvements, to assist with the costs associated with this travel, under Budget 2023 I secured funding for the continuation of both the 20% average PSO fare reduction, and the Young Adult Card Scheme which provides eligible third level students with a 50% reduction on PSO and participating commercial bus services. These fare initiatives make a real difference to those using our public transport system.
I also want to reassure the Deputy that my Department, the National Transport Authority, and our operators are working to ensure the optimised deployment of resources to match changing demand patterns.
Where increased passenger demand was evident during the 2022/2023 academic year – for example, on several Limerick City, Cork city and commuter and Dublin commuter services – the NTA is working with operators to improve capacity. These interventions are planned for implementation this autumn, subject to driver and bus availability.
I firmly believe that with continued investment in public transport services, we will build a more efficient network, thereby providing a viable travel option for all transport users.
