Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
207. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to the Exchequer of extending the young adult Transport for Ireland Leap card to all persons under 26 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42719/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to the Exchequer of extending the 50% fare reduction for students and young adults aged 19 to 23 years to all inter-city services in tabular form; the estimated cost to the Exchequer of extending the 50% fare reduction for students and young adults to include those under 26 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42720/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to the Exchequer of waiving fare revenue, i.e. cash, Leap card revenue and prepaid ticket sales including Taxsaver tickets, on all public service obligation services for a three-month period between 1 October 2022 and 31 December 2022, and a six-month period between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42723/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra211. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to the Exchequer of subsidising the waiving of all fares on commercial bus services for a three-month period between 1 October and 31 December 2022, and a six-month period between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023, in tabular form with reference to pre-Covid 19 baseline figures, i.e. 2019 and Q1 of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42724/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 207, 208, 210 and 211 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance.
In relation to the commerical bus operators, it should be noted that these operators are responsible for setting their own fares and therefore it would not be within the remit of the NTA to estimate the cost to the Exchequer of subsidising the waiving of all fares on these services. However, as the Deputy might be aware, it is envisaged that the YAC will be broadened to include commercial operators. It is technically more challenging to roll-out fare initiatives such as the Young Adult Card on the commercial bus network than it is on the LEAP enabled PSO network. As such, it is taking longer to make this fare discount available to Commercial Bus Operators. The NTA is in detailed discussions with transport operators and the Department of Transport regarding the range of issues that need to be addressed. To assist with this process, the NTA has established a joint working group with commercial bus operators to consider options and develop a plan to implement the Young Adult Card on Commercial Bus Operators in as timely a manner as possible, taking account of current ticketing capabilities to ensure a viable scheme is implemented. The NTA hope to have commencement ahead of the return of 3rd level colleges.
Therefore, in view of the above I have forwarded the Deputy’s questions in relation to PSO fares, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
