Fiona O'Malley (Dún Laoghaire, Progressive Democrats)
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Question 402: To ask the Minister for Transport when integrated ticketing will be available to public transport users in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31122/05]

Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress to date and future plans for the development of integrated ticketing between public transport providers in the greater Dublin area (details supplied). [30449/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 419 together.

The proposed contactless smartcard-based integrated ticketing system, for which the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, was given statutory responsibility, will enable a customer to use a ticket on one or more scheduled public transport services, by road and by rail, irrespective of the transport operator involved. In line with international experience, the system is being introduced on a phased basis, initially in the Dublin area.

In April 2004, a private operator, Morton's Coaches, in conjunction with the RPA and as a "proof of concept", successfully launched smart cards on its services. Last March, another step was taken with the launch of smart cards on Luas services. The Luas smart card deployment is helping to obtain important feedback from passengers and provide operational experience for the next stage of integrated ticketing.

Following an inconclusive procurement procedure earlier this year for the selection of an integrated ticketing provider and operator, the RPA commenced work on a revised procurement strategy and has submitted a draft to my Department. The finalisation of that procurement strategy is being assisted by an informal tripartite group representing the RPA, Dublin Bus and my Department. The work of the group will assist the RPA in determining a revised target implementation date.

International experience has shown that successful delivery of integrated ticketing is achieved by a careful, phased introduction with full co-operation from all public transport operators. The RPA is correct in taking a prudent approach to the implementation of this complex project using new technology.