Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
227. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the reason students over the age of 23 years who are not enrolled in full-time education cannot benefit from a student Leap card, especially given that the cost of a part-time postgraduate diploma, masters degree, and so on, puts the individual at a significant economic disadvantage. [47690/23]
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.
As part of the overall PSO package for 2024, I secured funding for the continuation of the 20% average fare reduction on PSO services, the 90-minute fare and for an increase in the upper age limit for the Young Adult Card from 23 to 25-years-of age.
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 along with the fare discount schemes already in place. 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 Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
