Brian Stanley
Ceist:25 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the LEAP scheme to other urban areas transport services and the national rail and bus networks. [23041/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 9 May 2012
Ceisteanna (21, 22)
Freagraí scríofa
This PQ relates to plans to extend the Leap scheme to other urban areas. Responsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the integrated ticketing system in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) became the function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 30th September 2010 in accordance with section 58 of the Dublin Transport Authority (DTA) Act 2008. In addition, section 63 of the DTA Act 2008 extends the Authority's remit in relation to integrated ticketing to the rest of the State.
As part of the next phase of the scheme, the Leap Card will be rolled out to Bus Éireann services in the Eastern region. In addition, a number of private operators that provide commuter services into Dublin or to Dublin Airport are also likely to join the scheme. Further extensions will be kept under review having regard to funding availability and other priorities.
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:26 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his work to date to liaise with the National Transport Authority and local authorities to deal with now obsolete bus lanes due to cuts. [23032/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra
This PQ relates to bus lanes. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Matters relating to bus lanes and other traffic management issues come under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in liaison with relevant local authorities and I have no function in such matters.
I am advised, however, that recent bus network changes, which involved a realignment of a number of bus routes, has meant that there is no longer a requirement for a number of bus lanes. In such cases, it is a matter for the local authorities to determine the most appropriate traffic arrangements to put in place for the particular road. Within the Greater Dublin Area, the relevant local authority should liaise with the NTA in relation to proposals for revised road layouts in these cases, and funding may be provided by the NTA for the implementation of appropriate proposals in certain cases.