Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This question is about an Expressway commercial bus service. This is a commercial decision for Bus Éireann, as I am sure the Deputy is aware, and not one in which I have any role. However, I contacted the National Transport Authority for clarification, and the position is as follows. The NTA is responsible for securing the provision of public passenger transport services through public service contracts, where services cannot be provided on a commercial basis, and the licensing of public bus services, which are operated on a commercial basis. Bus Éireann’s Expressway route 2 is licensed by the NTA and the company has been granted amendments to the licence for this route. There is nothing to prevent Bus Éireann or any other licensed operator from applying to the NTA to amend the times or routes of these licensed services. Such applications are considered in accordance with the arrangements set out in the NTA’s guidelines for the licensing of public bus passenger services. There is no legislative framework for refusing an amendment where the NTA considers that there would be no impact either on any other commercial service or on any subsidised service by granting it. Accordingly, Bus Éireann’s decision to amend the timetable and the points served on this route is entirely a commercial matter for the operator. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

See this speech in context