Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Transport his policy on pricing and fares for rail and bus services; if he has conducted research on the effect of pricing policy on passenger volumes and take-up in transport here or compared pricing policy with other EU and OECD states; if he is examining more simplified models of commuter fares for bus and rail services; his views on the cancellation of certain commuter bus tickets (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13672/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Decisions in relation to fares for rail and bus services and the range of tickets offered to the public are, for the most part, a matter for the operators of those services. However, proposals for changes to the standard single fare charged by the CIÉ companies and the RPA is, based on custom and practice, subject to control by me and such proposals are considered in the context of the overall impact on public transport patronage, the cost environment and, in the case of loss making services, the level of availability of Exchequer funding.

While I have not commissioned research on the effect of pricing policy on passenger volumes and take-up it is clear that excessive increases in fares will damage the attractiveness of public transport. Accordingly I only authorise standard single fare increases when the companies concerned have made a sound financial case for any such increase. Leaving the design and control of promotional and incentive fares in the hands of the companies allows them to promote their public transport product. In respect of the future, the Dublin Transport Authority will have the power to introduce a fares scheme for public transport in the GDA.