Seán Sherlock
Ceist:272. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the young adult travel card to 24-year-olds. [43769/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 September 2022
Ceisteanna (272)
Freagraí scríofa
In recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old, to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs, and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services. The YAC was introduced on PSO services on the 9th of May and then extended to participating commercial bus operators on the 5th of September. This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings.
The YAC and other fare initiatives will form part of my discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the context of Budget 2023 negotiations.