Danny Healy-Rae
Question:85. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will give consideration to an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44512/23]
View answerThursday, 12 October 2023
Questions (85)
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Young Adult Card was launched on PSO services on the 9th of May 2022, and was extended to participating commercial services in September 2022. The YAC provides young adults aged 19-23, and full-time third students aged 16 and upwards with a 50% discounted fare on such services. A further 20% average fare reduction on PSO services was introduced in 2022 as part of a suite of Government measures to help combat the rising cost of living. Funding was provided under Budget 2023 for the continuation of both of these fare initiatives
I am pleased to advise that I have recently secured under Budget 2024 for the continuation of the 20% average fare reduction on PSO services, and for an extension of the upper limit of the YAC from 23 to 25 years of age.