Written answers

Wednesday, 1 October 2008

Department of Transport

Public Transport

2:00 pm

Photo of Billy TimminsBilly Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 17: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made in developing integrated transport and integrated ticketing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32662/08]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 30: To ask the Minister for Transport when the integrated ticketing project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32561/08]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 30 together.

A fundamental aim of Transport 21 is the integration of transport networks and systems and all of the projects in the programme were planned with integration in mind. Significant progress has been made in the delivery of Transport 21 projects since its commencement in 2006. The establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority is also a key transport element of the Agreed Programme for Government with regard to the development of an integrated and sustainable transport system in the Greater Dublin Area. The Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 became law on 16 July 2008. A specific Chapter of the Act — Chapter 3 — is dedicated to the integration measures to be pursued by the Authority. Arrangements for the establishment of the Authority are being considered as part of the Estimates process and I will make an announcement on this matter in due course.

Integrated ticketing is an important element in the delivery of an integrated public transport network for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and its provision will optimise the investment benefits to be obtained from the Transport 21 projects. A smart card for public transport services in the Greater Dublin Area is now available on Luas services. In recent months all buses in the Dublin Bus fleet have been fitted with smart card validators. Smart cards are now in use on these buses in respect of a number of ticket products, such as annual and monthly bus only tickets, integrated annual and monthly bus and rail tickets and 5-day rambler tickets. From late next year, a single smart card will be introduced for ticket products on Dublin Bus and Luas services. This smart card will also have an electronic purse capability for use on both services.

This system will then be extended to Irish Rail DART and commuter rail services within a further 12 months, and Bus Éireann on a pilot basis on a number of its commuter routes. It is also envisaged that private bus operators will join the scheme over this timeframe. The new gating systems at Irish Rail stations in the GDA have been designed to handle the new smart card. A central part of the full smart card system is the 'back office' which will link each participating transport company to the overall system and facilitate all the necessary financial, data and reporting requirements that are key to the functioning of the smart card system.

IBM Ireland, supported by their sub-contractor MSI, is currently building the back office system so as to enable the full integration to take place from late next year. The Dublin scheme is being based on the Singapore system which is regarded as one of the leading examples of integrated ticketing with over seven million smart card holders using public transport. Based on the developments in the recent procurement process, the overall budget of the project has been increased to €55.4 million. An updated financial appraisal confirms that benefits of the project to the GDA continue to outweigh the cost.

The Project is being rolled out progressively in line with international experience. The Chairman of the Integrated Ticketing Project Board has told me good progress is being made and that, while there are significant issues to be resolved, all parties are working together to see the scheme delivered in line with project timescales.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.