George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)

This issue pertains to the extension and expansion of the free travel scheme for under-nines to include and involve commercial bus operators. It aims to build on the Department of Transport's expansion of the fare reduction scheme introduced in recent years. If we are to have equity, equality and fairness, it is essential that this modest but impactful extension would include children under the age of nine travelling on commercial buses operated by companies within the free travel scheme. It would also address a growing disparity between PSO and commercial services. It would ensure equitable access for children across the country and reinforce the national commitment to increasing public transport usage and reducing car dependency. Those relying on commercial bus operators often reside in rural or underserved areas of the country, and they are excluded. This creates a two-tier system that is inconsistent with broader policy goals on transport, equity and inclusion.

The inclusion of the commercial bus operators would ensure fairness for all families, regardless of geography or the service providers. For those children who reside in areas where public transport is not always available – we all know those areas – it would support a broader modal shift by fostering a culture of public transport use from an early age. Commercial bus operators are already integrated into the Leap card infrastructure and participate in the free travel and young adult card schemes, so there is no requirement for any additional technological investment or major operational overhauls to implement this extension. The system is ready and the commercial operators are ready, willing and able to deliver.

A report was compiled by Jim Power in 2024. It was commissioned by the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland. The report highlighted that unequal application of fare supports is creating an uneven playing field between public service operators and licensed commercial operators. Extending free travel to under-nines on commercial buses is a practical step that would improve competitive fairness while directly benefiting thousands of families. There is also strong public support for it following the findings of a recent survey.

The key figures and costs indicate that after adjusted fare levels and even factoring in occasional long-distance trips, the total cost for the entire country is unlikely to exceed €1 million annually. Large swathes of this country have either a non-existent or a very poor public transport service and are dependent on private bus operators. To exclude children under nine years who cannot avail of public transport and who depend on private operators is just not fair. There is no equality. The inclusion of commercial operators in the free travel scheme for under-nines would deliver strong social value at minimal fiscal cost. It would also align directly with the Department's objectives on equality and accessibility.

I respectfully ask that this move be taken by the Minister for Transport and his Department in an effort to introduce and maintain equality for those people across the country who have no access to public transport at a time when we have commercial bus operators that are trying to compete, unfairly, in this regard. If a child under the age of nine is travelling, he or she gets used to travelling on public transport, but their families also travel with them, which is a success story for everybody. I urge the Minister for Transport to carry out the move I am suggesting.

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