Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will report on the recent release through a freedom of information request of costings for major public transport projects including the Railway Procurement Agency's Light Rail Investment Strategy 2004 to 2014; the position regarding this strategy with 13 new Luas lines for Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6412/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As I have said on numerous previous occasions in this House, my policy in relation to the release of cost information on transport projects contained in Transport 21 is in the first instance to ensure the taxpayer's interest is protected. In this context, the release or publication of commercially sensitive cost information prior to the completion of the competitive procurement processes would seriously prejudice the State's capacity to derive maximum value for money in respect of such projects. However, I am also conscious that it is in the taxpayer's interest to strike an appropriate balance between ensuring value for money and transparency in the use of taxpayers' money for transport projects. My Department has, therefore, published cost information on completed projects and projects at a sufficiently advanced stage, where such information is no longer commercially sensitive. It has also released documents under Freedom of Information as referred to by the Deputy.

The RPA Light Rail Investment Strategy of 2005, referred to by the Deputy, was part of the detailed preparatory work, which contributed to the final Transport 21 Programme that was announced in November of that year. All of the transport agencies and many local authorities and Government Departments contributed to that exercise. Under Transport 21 one Light Rail project was recently completed in the Docklands and two more are under construction. The line to Cherrywood in South Dublin will open for service later this year and services will start on the extension to CityWest next year. Good progress has also been made in progressing planning on projects such as Metro North, Metro West and the city centre Luas line. However, it must be acknowledged that it will not be possible to deliver on the original ambitious targets contained in Transport 21 in the current difficult economic environment. Metro North and DART Underground are core projects in the strategy envisioned under Transport 21 and continue to be key projects in the revised funding environment.

Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding the efficiencies taking place following the Deloitte report on Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann efficiencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6579/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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In line with the recommendations of the Deloitte report and taking account of the need to reduce its operating deficit, Dublin Bus is redesigning its network based on the most recent pattern of demand and on reducing the number of variations of bus routes. Dublin Bus is due to undertake consultation on the network changes in March. It is also working on eliminating unnecessary duplication of services, creating even headways to improve reliability and reduce the potential for "bunching" of services.

Dublin Bus has commenced the roll out of its Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) System and full implementation on the Dublin Bus fleet is expected to be completed towards the end of 2010. The information from the AVL System will be used on the Real Time Passenger Information units which are being procured and managed by Dublin City Council. In 2010, prior to installation of on street signage Dublin Bus will commence provision of Real Time Passenger Information on the Internet and on mobile phones.

In the case of Bus Éireann the Deloitte report concluded that the scope for cost savings is limited as the current network design and schedules are largely efficient. In line with the recommendations of the report Bus Éireann is engaged with Pobal, the HSE, the Irish Wheelchair Association, the Department of Education and my Department in co-ordinating the better integration of various services provided by Bus Éireann, the Rural Transport programme and the HSE. Pilot projects currently underway will be evaluated with a view to mainstreaming across the country. Bus Éireann has also expanded the use of double deck buses and coaches and have undertaken a "Use the Bus" type marketing campaign to increase passenger carryings.

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Transport when integrated ticketing will be rolled out; the cost of the project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6546/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Integrated Ticketing project is being introduced in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 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 and extensive testing of elements of the system is already underway.

The system will be progressively rolled out over the coming months on Dublin Bus and Luas services, such that, by end-2010, smartcards with a "pay-as-you-go" function will be available to some 75% of public transport customers in the GDA. Private bus operators are also participating in the scheme and it is anticipated that a number of these operators, along with DART and commuter rail services and Bus Éireann on a pilot basis, will join the scheme throughout 2011. Whilst progress in the delivery of the project has been slower than desired, good progress is now being made by the transport agencies in the delivery of this complex I.T. project.

The project remains on target to deliver real and tangible benefits to public transport users on a progressive basis during 2010. However, in a project involving numerous organisations, and where there are many business and technical complexities, there are and will continue to be difficulties that will pose challenges to all participants in delivering on the agreed programme. This has also been the experience internationally. The experience to date is that the Project Board is working well and in a manner that allows them to meet these challenges as they arise. €25.8 million has been paid out by the Exchequer on integrated ticketing since the inception of the project in 2002. This expenditure encompasses project management, design and development costs and operator contributions.