Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024
94. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he would consider eliminating or reducing the €10 charge for taking bicycles on Bus Éireann buses or if the charge could be dropped on off-peak hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5600/24]
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 Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) was published in April 2022 alongside an Action Plan containing 91 actions to be delivered during the period from 2022-2025. Following the development of new targets under the Climate Action Plan 2023 these actions are being undertaken as part of achieving targets of a 50% increase in daily active travel journeys, a 130% increase in daily public transport journeys, and a 20% reduction in total vehicle kilometres travelled by 2030.
The Action Plan covers all areas of sustainable mobility including the integration of public transport and active travel, and overall aims to enable more sustainable transport choices in our travel for work, education, and our social lives within our communities.
The Department also funds the installation of bike parking at various locations through the National Transport Authority (NTA). While the majority of these parking spaces are at schools, with 250 schools receiving bike parking in 2023 alone, some parking is installed in other locations including transport hubs, hospitals and third-level campuses, as well as throughout cities, towns and villages as part of public realm works completed under the Active Travel Infrastructure Programme.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the €10 charge for taking bicycles on Bus Éireann buses is an operational matter for company. As such, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
