Public Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2006

Wednesday, 6 December 2006

Ceisteanna (18, 19, 20)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

40 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will accept CIÉs request for increases in fares across its train and bus network. [41672/06]

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

102 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the application by CIÉ for a 9% increase in fares for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41661/06]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

117 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the role of his Department in relation to the setting of bus and rail fares; his strategy in relation to incentivising public transport uptake through the fare system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41622/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40, 102 and 117 together.

The standard single fare charged by the CIÉ companies, and by the Railway Procurement Agency in respect of LUAS is, based on custom and practice, subject to control by me. CIÉ has applied for an average increase in 2007 of 9% in Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann fares and a 10% increase in Bus Átha Cliath fares. CIÉ has based its application on a projected 6% increase in costs in 2007, plus a 3%-4% increase to meet historical fuel cost increases over recent years which CIÉ contend have not been adequately dealt with in previous fare increases.

CIÉ's application is currently under consideration in my Department and I intend to announce a decision in the matter shortly. My objective in relation to public transport fares is, taking account of underlying cost factors and inflation, to secure a good balance between anticipated revenues, cost control and compensation for loss making services by way of Exchequer subvention so that public transport is an attractive option for the travelling public and the public transport companies operate on a sound financial basis.

The detailed design of fare structures, including promotional and incentive fares, is a matter for the public transport companies. All three CIÉ companies use discounted fares of various types, including the tax saver annual and monthly ticket scheme, to promote the use of public transport.