Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is always important to remember that public transport remains heavily subsidised, with the exception of Luas and the private bus services. While someone who cycles, walks or uses the car to get to work pays the full cost, people who use public transport are subsidised by the State. It is important to bear that in mind. If people had to bear the full cost, fares would be much higher than they are. The reason fares are going up is due to the decrease in passenger numbers as a result of the economic situation, an increase in fuel costs and a reduction in the public service obligation. Also, we have not been successful in bringing about the required cost savings quickly enough. We are making good progress in those areas. Passenger numbers have stabilised as the economy is recovering. Fuel costs are not rising. In my submission to the next comprehensive expenditure review, which kicks in from 2015, I will ask for no further cuts to the PSO. We are now seeing progress, with cost savings yesterday in Dublin Bus, and that will be required in Irish Rail in the coming months.

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