I propose, to take Questions Nos. 7 and 31 together.
The examination of the applications from Iarnród Éireann, Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann for a fares and rates increase was completed recently. This took account of the conclusions of the Dublin Transport Authority which were furnished in accordance with section 28 (2) of the Dublin Transport Authority Act, 1986, on the application of Bus Átha Cliath and that of Iarnród Éireann for Dublin suburban rail services.
Details of the increases sought are set out in a statement which I propose to circulate in the Official Report. The average increase in fares sought was about 6 per cent.
It is policy to promote the wider and increased use of public transport. Accordingly, every effort is made to keep fares at the lowest possible levels, taking account of the costs of providing services and the financial resources of Córas Iompair Éireann.
In line with this approach the Government have approved increases as follows: (i) increases for multiple journey tickets of about 6 per cent in relation to Dublin suburban rail services; (ii) increases of 5p in respect of stage fares in the range 25p to 120p and increases of 10p in respect of stage fares in the range 170p to 240p for the Dublin suburban rail services; and (iii) increases in the fares of Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann on the basis of a maximum increase of 2.5 per cent.
The Government also decided that the increases could be implemented as soon as practicable. The increases will not apply to the free travel schemes operated by CIE on behalf of the Departments of Social Welfare and Defence.
Fares Increases sought by Iarnród Éireann, Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann.
1. Iarnród Éireann
Iarnród Éireann sought approval for an increase of 6 per cent (approximately) in Dublin suburban rail stage fares and multi journey fares.
2. Bus Átha Cliath
Bus Átha Cliath sought approval to increase
(i) the single adult fares as follows:
(a) 60p and 70p fares by 5p;
(b) 85p fares by 10p; and
(c) 120p fares by 20p.
(ii) multi-journey tickets by between 5 and 6.25 per cent;
(iii) children's and school children's fares of 25p by 5p;
(iv) the city shopper's fare by 5p to 30p; and
(v) an increase of 5.8 per cent in the fares to be charged to Government Departments in respect of old age pensioners etc. and War of Independence veterans.
3. Bus Éireann
Bus Éireann sought approval.
(i) in the case of Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway cities for
(a) increasing the adult fare from 52p to 55p and the child fare from 26p to 30p;
(b) an increase of 7.7 per cent for weekly and between 4.3 per cent and 4.6 per cent for monthly adult commuter tickets, and
(c) an increase of 9.1 per cent for weekly and between 4.4 per cent and 5.7 per cent for monthly student commuter tickets;
(ii) for rationalisation of the fares structure for rural/Expressway services to give
(a) an average increase of 4 per cent for journeys up to 50 miles;
(b) no overall increase for journeys over 50 miles but modifications and simplification of the structure giving minor increases or reductions; and
(iii) for increases of 3.8 per cent, 5.9 per cent and 5.3 per cent in respect of medium, long and giant weekly commuter "Hop" tickets respectively and increases of 4.6 per cent and 3.3 per cent in respect of medium and long monthly commuter "Hop" tickets respectively in the Dublin region (radius of 20 to 50 miles).