Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 534: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure the introduction of an integrated ticketing system for Luas and bus services in the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30343/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The integrated ticketing system in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) is being introduced on a phased basis, based on smartcard technology. A progressive approach is being adopted to allow customers to familiarise themselves with using the new system and to permit transport operators to undertake the necessary testing with the integration of the technologies involved. The project is now firmly in the implementation phase.

A smartcard for Luas services has been available on all Luas services for some time. Smartcards have also been introduced by Dublin Bus in respect of a number of ticket products such as annual and monthly tickets and 5-day rambler tickets. There are also annual and monthly integrated bus and rail, and bus and Luas smartcard tickets. The smartcard is now being used by some 30% of Dublin Bus customers.

Subject to successful in-house testing, the single smartcard will be rolled out initially to a small number of Dublin Bus testers for live consumer testing of the Dublin Bus/Luas integrated annual ticket, and then to a small number of customers, in early 2010. The smartcards will have electronic purse "pay-as-you-go" capability which will be switched on later in 2010. The single smartcard will continue to be rolled out on Dublin Bus and Luas throughout 2010, so that by end 2010 the pay-as-you-go option will be available to all Dublin Bus and Luas passengers in the GDA. Further Dublin Bus and Luas ticket products will be released on the smartcard in early 2011.

Iarnród Eireann is currently progressing with its plans to introduce an interim smartcard scheme. Stations have been fitted with smartcard readers and the system is currently being tested in advance of launch to the public. Bus Éireann will commence testing in 2010 with roll-out of its pilot phase planned for early 2011 on a number of its services. The company will then evaluate the feasibility of extending the scheme to include its whole network in the GDA. Private bus operators are also participating in the development of the scheme and it is anticipated that a number of these operators, along with Irish Rail Dart and Commuter services, will join the scheme over this timeframe.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 535: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding the extension of the Luas line from Tallaght; the schedule of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30344/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand from the RPA that construction work on the new Luas spur from Belgard to Citywest and Saggart (4.2km) commenced earlier this year and is expected to be completed by end 2010 with services operating on the line in early 2011.