Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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40. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department can continue to facilitate efficient commuter transport by the use of co-ordination between the road and rail network in such a way as to provide the highest possible degree of transport cost effectiveness and efficiency for commuters located convenient to such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6041/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​With regard to co-ordination between road and rail, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is the statutory body with responsibility for the integration of public transport nationally. The remit of the NTA is to regulate and develop the provision of public transport services (bus, rail, light rail and taxi) by public and private operators in the State, to secure the development and implementation of an integrated transport system within the Greater Dublin Area, and to contribute to the effective integration of transport and land use planning across the state.

As part of its statutory role, the NTA has prepared a transport strategy for the GDA which establishes a framework to guide transport provision in the region. The Authority is in the process of finalising an Integrated Implementation Plan which will outline the measures to be implemented in the short term in pursuance of the Transport Strategy.

In terms of achieving cost effectiveness and efficiency for commuters, the Authority is working to simplify the fares structure for bus and rail services and to offer integrated fare products across the State. The introduction of the Leap card has greatly facilitated such integration. The Authority is striving to achieve a further simplified, better value fares offer for public transport customers. I understand that it is currently examining what the next generaton of smart ticketing might be for Ireland in this regard.

I would also highlight the Authority's multi-modal journey planner which has been in operation for 4 years. This allows anyone to plan their journeys to and from any location in Ireland by public transport. Furthermore, real time passenger information has greatly enhanced the experience of the public transport customer and is a key integration tool.