Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 215: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Leap card will be available for use on commuter routes in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23612/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Responsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the integrated ticketing system in the greater Dublin area became the function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 30 September 2010 in accordance with section 58 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. The integrated ticketing system is being introduced in the greater Dublin area on a phased basis, based on smartcard technology in line with all other ticketing schemes internationally. Phase 1 of the Leap Card system was launched on 12 December 2011 on the services of Dublin Bus, Luas and Irish Rail DART and commuter rail. Further roll-out of the scheme will continue in 2012 and the Leap Card is expected to be available in the coming months on all Bus Eireann commuter and local services within the eastern region and on the services of a number of private bus operators. Piloting of the Leap Card has already commenced on some services. There are over 86,000 Leap Cards now in circulation and in excess of 3 million journeys have been taken using Leap Cards since the launch on 12 December last year. The introduction of these new functions, together with the incorporation of Bus Éireann and a number of privately operated services, taken with the considerable discount offered to Leap Card users over cash fares will make the Leap Card very attractive to all members of the public and should greatly increase the number of cards into circulation by the end of 2012.