Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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27. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider piloting a free public transport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31502/21]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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90. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there will be any free public transport days over summer 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31924/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 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 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, a total of €304 million was provided for PSO and Local Link rural regular services. Due to the impact of Covid-19, which resulted in the collapse of fare revenue on public transport, a further €370 million 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 including the pilot of a free transport scheme and campaigns such as the previously ran "Kid Go Free" 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.