Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
59. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the procurement process by the NTA for appointing a contractor to oversee the roll-out of contactless payments technology for rural and urban bus services. [51584/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing technology.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) project is an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods thus reducing delays at stops associated with cash payment and to be complemented by an integrated and simplified fare structure. This new ticketing equipment will include modern features to support modern payment methods and replace the current Leap system.
Fundamental to the vision for NGT is to transition to an ‘account based ticketing’ scheme incorporating mobile and card-based payments. This approach offers the NTA the best opportunity to to give citizens greater choice and more convenience thus making it easier to use public transport. This 'account based ticketing' will also offer a platform for any subsequent extensions into into mobility as a service.
This vision is intrinsically linked to Project Ireland 2040, including the long-term overarching strategy to make public transit in Ireland better for all of its citizens.
In line with the Public Spending Code, NGT received Decision Gate 2 approval from Cabinet in March 2022. This approval allowed the NTA to proceed with the procurement process. The NTA is preparing a Final Business Case for NGT and it is expected that this will be submitted to Cabinet for approval at Decision Gate 3 in 2024. Following approval of the Final Business Case the project can move to the implementation phase.
