Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Transport the position and the projected date for implementation of the integrated ticketing project to enable Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann customers purchase tickets that can cover either two of three of the transport companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8749/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The integrated ticketing system in the Greater Dublin Areas is being introduced on a phased basis, based on smart card technology, replacing magnetic strip technology.

A smart card for Luas services has been available on Luas services for some time. All buses in the Dublin Bus fleet are now fitted with smart card validators and smart cards are now in use on these buses in respect of a number of ticket products, such as annual and monthly bus tickets, 5-day rambler tickets and annual and monthly integrated bus and rail tickets.

As part of the integrated ticketing development, Irish Rail will launch an interim smart card scheme from late summer. These smart card schemes will enable customers to familiarise themselves with the use and flexibilities of smart card systems in advance of the introduction of the single smart card scheme.

From late 2009, a single smart card will be introduced on a progressive basis 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 single smart card 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.

In advance of the single integrated smart card being introduced, there are also currently in place a range of integrated tickets that allow transfers between Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, LUAS and Irish Rail.