asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of rail passengers carried by CIE in the months of January and February, 1972; and the corresponding figures for 1971.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rail Passenger Traffic.
4.
I have been informed by CIE that precise figures of total rail passenger numbers including accompanied children during the months of January and February, 1972, are not available. However, the number of passengers carried on the principal mainline trains during the period 1st January, 1972, to 20th February, 1972, was 303,000 compared with 182,000 during the corresponding period last year, an increase of 66 per cent.
Could the Minister state whether, in view of the reduction of fares, the revenue taken in the months mentioned in the question exceeds that of the corresponding months last year?
Revenue would not increase by the same proportion as the passengers increase but I understand that there is an increase in revenue.
A substantial increase?
Not anything like 66 per cent.
That is understandable but in view of the increase in revenue by the greater use and the benefits to the morale of the railway workers, would the Minister advocate to CIE continuance of the policy of cheap fares rather than the cesser proposed at the end of this month?
While the scheme in its present form is scheduled to end on 20th March, CIE are introducing new schemes at that time, which will not be the same but which will continue to make rail travel attractive.