Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
63. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport what steps are taken to ensure local intra-city bus services are reliable; the checks made to ensure they conform to timetable; what remedial actions are taken to ensure a punctual and reliable service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4384/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of penalties where performance does not meet the required standard, issues of poor reliability and punctuality performance can result in financial penalties for the operator.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
