Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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121. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of making public transport free; the estimated cost of making public transport free for all those under 25 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18187/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable.  The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer.  The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services.

I have, therefore, forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.