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Public Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021

Wednesday, 28 April 2021

Ceisteanna (203, 204)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

203. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to the State of reducing fares on public transport by 10%, 25% and 50%, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21208/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

204. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of abolishing public transport fares here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21209/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable.  The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer.  The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services.

The Government is spending considerable additional Exchequer funds on the public transport sector in order to support the continued operation of necessary services, despite the reduced demand and the restricted capacity owing to the Covid-19 situation.  Government support for all public transport services in 2020 amounted to over €620m.  By comparison, the level of PSO and Local Link funding provided in 2019 was in the region of €300m.

In addition, last summer the Government approved temporary funding support for the non-PSO (licensed, commercial) bus sector in respect of its continuation of necessary bus services, and the duration of this support was recently extended.  My primary focus is on maintaining the existing level of public transport services and I secured over €670m in PSO funding for 2021 to ensure that public transport continues to operate in a safe manner, albeit at a higher cost.

Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance.  I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
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