Michael Moynihan
Ceist:180. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the key initiatives taken to improve transport services in both urban and rural Ireland since 27 June 2020. [54399/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 December 2023
Ceisteanna (180)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, while the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure.
The Government is strongly committed to improving public transport options in both urban and rural Ireland – both bus and rail – and has backed that commitment up with significant investments across the network since 2020. This includes investment in the BusConnects programme, Connecting Ireland and new town services, in addition to significant investment in public transport infrastructure projects such as the DART+ programme, and new bus and rail fleet. The Government has also invested in a number of fare initiatives over this period including the 90-minute fares, the 20% average fare reduction and the introduction of the Young Adult Card.
To support the Government's ambitious goals for the public transport network, in Budget 2023, the Department of Transport secured €563.55 million of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €538m in 2022). More recently, under Budget 2024, funding has been secured to support the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2024, and for new and enhanced bus and rail services next year.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request in relation to the key initiatives taken to improve transport services in both urban and rural Ireland since 27 June 2020, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.