Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 235: To ask the Minister for Transport his policy on the regulation of public transport fares; if he has undertaken research on the impact of lower, simplified public transport fare structures on achieving the model switch to public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41299/09]

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

Decisions in relation to public transport fares are, for the most part, a matter for the operators of public transport 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 financial position of the operator concerned, the cost environment and, in the case of loss making services, the level of availability of Exchequer funding.

I have not commissioned research on the effect of a lower, simplified public transport fares structure on modal switch to public transport. It is clear that excessive increases in fares will damage the attractiveness of public transport while a lowering of fares would require additional Exchequer funding. Nevertheless when established the proposed National Transport Authority provided for in the Public Transport Regulation Bill, 2009 will have the power to introduce a fares scheme for public transport in the Greater Dublin Area or such other areas as may be specified by the Minister and to control fares on public transport services that are the subject of public service contracts.