Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

88. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of the additional investment needed to provide greater capacity across all modes to meet expected increase in demand if free public transport was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25023/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

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.

The provision of public transport services is heavily dependent on passenger fare revenue as it normally contributes about 65% of the operational cost. The remaining 35% of cost is covered by the PSO grant and the Department of Social Protection grant under the Free Travel Scheme. In Budget 2020, and prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, over €300 million was provided for PSO and Local Link services. Due to the impact of Covid-19, which resulted in the collapse of fare revenue on public transport, a further €370 million (in addition to the c. €300m already provided) was allocated to enable the continued operation of public transport services in 2020. My primary focus is to ensure that public transport services continue to operate during this pandemic, and I secured almost €659m for PSO services in 2021, of which €30m is to support the licensed bus sector.

Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance. 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.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

89. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce an integrated ticketing system across the public transport network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25024/21]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

90. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent in each of the years 2015 to 2020 on improving the ticketing systems across the public transport network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25025/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including integrated ticketing.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the question to the NTA for their consideration and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.