Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2023
126. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the authors of a report (details supplied) commissioned by the NTA on fare-fee public transport can provide a figure for CO2 emission savings from a 1% decline in car usage; and if the authors can provide a figure for the total reduction in kilometres travelled by car users as a result of a 1% decline in car usage. [15981/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the total cost of a report (details supplied) on fare-free public transport. [15982/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra128. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will itemise or detail the potential categories of internalised benefits that were not part of the report (details supplied) into fare-free public transport; the reason such benefits did not form part of the scope of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15983/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 126, 127 and 128 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. As the Deputy is aware, the NTA engaged the services of Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services to prepare the Fare-Free Travel Policy Analysis Report
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
