Jim O'Callaghan
Question:169. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport to provide first and full-year costs for the free public transport scheme to children aged 15 and under. [42538/24]
View answerTuesday, 22 October 2024
Questions (169)
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.
Under Budget 2025, funding has been allocated to the Department of Transport to provide for free public transport for children aged 5 to 8 years. Free travel for all children under-fives on subsidised public transport services was introduced in 2017, and this new measure now extends that to include children aged between 5 and 8 years of age. The extension will be introduced next year, with a lead time involved to allow for the necessary technical changes required to facilitate the implementation of this change to child fares.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.