Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that the NTA is engaging regularly with the Department of Transport on public transport fares. I further advise that the introduction of the TFI 90-minute fare, as envisaged by the BusConnects programme, has hugely benefited public transport users across Dublin. I have been advised that when the boundaries were first established for the 90-minute fare structure, the existing longer distance rail zones were taken into account. The NTA advised that any extension of the current flat fare would make it even more difficult to manage the change between metropolitan fares and intercity fares, which have to be based on distance travelled to be equitable. However, to provide attractive fares to the travelling public, the NTA decided to include the 90-minute fare feature for all rail fares in the short hop zones, with zones 1 to 4 being the same as the bus and tram fare of €2 for adults.

In addition to the various fare initiatives outlined earlier, the roll-out of the new orbital bus routes and spines under BusConnects, as well as the extensive planned works on the DART+ project in conjunction with the continued work on the infrastructure projects, including cycling facilities, will greatly enhance the current offering of public transport and active travel services in Dublin.

The Government has recognised the importance of expanding affordable public transport options in all locations across the country. The national development plan provides €35 billion for transport over the next decade and the largest investment in transport in the history of the State. This provides the necessary support to translate our ambitions for public transport into reality.

Collectively, these measures will not only further improve connectivity, but will also provide viable alternatives. I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy with regard to the TFI 90-minute fare initiative. I will alert the Minister for Transport in relation to the concerns she raised. I also refer the Deputy to the fact that the NTA is independent in its workings and encourage her to contact the organisation.

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